New Details Emerge Following the Heartbreaking Death of KISS Legend Ace Frehley

Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist of KISS, spent his final weeks out of the spotlight, hospitalized after a fall that would lead to the injuries that ultimately ended his life.

Shockwaves rippled through the music world with the heartbreaking death of legendary KISS guitarist Ace Frehley, who passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the age of 74.

The rock icon had been placed on life support after a horrific fall in a recording studio triggered a catastrophic brain bleed. His grief-stricken family made the devastating decision to turn off his ventilator after it became clear he would not recover.

According to the Morris County, New Jersey Medical Examiner's report, Frehley suffered a fracture to the back of his skull, a subdural hematoma, and a stroke. Scans revealed a massive brain hemorrhage, multiple skull fractures, and trauma so severe it caused the brain to shift.

Externally, the injuries were just as grim — a deep bruise on the right hip, a massive contusion across the left side, and several smaller, healing bruises on his lower leg — all consistent with a violent fall.

The official cause of death was blunt trauma injuries of the head due to a fall. The manner of death was ruled an accident.

Following his death, Frehley's family released a statement confirming the tragic fall. He is survived by his wife Jeanette, daughter Monique, brother Charles, sister Nancy Salvner, nieces Suncere Frehley and Julie Salvner, nephews Sky Frehley and Andrew Salvner, sister-in-law Michelanne, and brother-in-law Ron Salvner.

As early as September 25, his camp had gone public with news of his condition by releasing a statement on social media, calling the accident a "minor fall."

Initially, his management insisted that the rockstar was okay. However, a follow-up announcement days later confirmed the cancellation of his 2025 tour dates due to his ongoing medical issues.

Frehley remained on life support in his final days. Though his loved ones clung to hope, his condition never improved.

He was a founding member of KISS, forming the band alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss. After years of success, he left the group to pursue a solo career, citing creative differences and struggles with substance abuse. He returned for the band’s 1996 reunion tour, remaining until 2002.

Following his passing, Stanley and Simmons issued a joint statement, saying, "I am devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history.

"He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy. My thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world," they ended the statement.

Frehley’s final social media posts offered quiet warning signs. On September 27, his team described a "minor fall" and cancelled an appearance on doctor’s orders. By October 6, the rest of his tour was called off.