Death of KISS’ Ace Frehley under investigation

An investigation into the death of KISS’ Ace Frehley has been launched.

The guitarist and founding member of the iconic rock group died in Morristown, New Jersey on October 16. He was 74 years old.

In a statement shared by his family, Ace – also known as Spaceman – died “peacefully surrounded by family” following “a recent fall at his home”. An exact cause of death has yet to be shared.

Hours before his death was announced, reports emerged that he was on life support after suffering a brain bleed in the studio in September. Due to this, he cancelled all of his remaining live shows planned for 2025.

Now, TMZ has reported that a medical examiner in New Jersey has launched an investigation into the guitarist’s death.

The outlet added that a representative from the Morris County Medical Examiner said that no autopsy was carried out, but Frehley is currently receiving an external body examination and a toxicology screening. The cause of death is expected to be shared in a few weeks, following the toxicology report being completed.

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A post shared by Ace Frehley (@acefrehleyofficial)

Announcing news of his passing, Frehley’s family wrote: “We are completely devastated and heartbroken. In his last moments, we were fortunate enough to have been able to surround him with loving, caring, peaceful words, thoughts, prayers and intentions as he left this earth.

“We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others. The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension. Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!”

Frehley’s former bandmates Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley told Page Six: “We are 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. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”

Born in New York City in 1951, the guitarist co-founded KISS in 1973 with singer Paul Stanley, bassist and part-time singer Gene Simmons and drummer Peter Criss. After nearly a decade, Frehley had left the band to pursue a solo career, coupled with his struggles with substance abuse and rising tension within the band about their direction.

In the years following his exit from KISS, Frehley formed a new band, Frehley’s Comet, and he would rejoin KISS for their reunion in 1996 – staying with them until 2002. He did not join them for their farewell world tour in 2022.

Among the songs Ace helped write for KISS were classics like ‘I Was Made For Lovin’ You’, ‘Rock And Roll All Nite’, ‘Detroit Rock City’, ‘Love Gun’ and more.

On December 7, the late guitarist will become the third musician to posthumously receive a Kennedy Center Honour (via Far Out). He follows on from Eagles’ Glenn Frey and Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh in getting the award.

Other names who have paid tribute to Frehley include Tool’s Maynard James Keenan, Pearl Jam’s Mike McCready, Nile Rodgers, Steve Vai, John 5, Rush, Alice Cooper, and more.

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