Paul ‘Ace’ Frehley: KISS legend’s tragic cause of death revealed
The cause of legendary KISS rocker Ace Frehley’s death has been revealed, with details of a medical examination made public.
Frehley, a founding member of one of the biggest rock groups of the 1970s and ‘80s, died in a New Jersey hospital on October 16 after his family made the difficult decision to turn off his life support. He was 74.
The talented guitarist had suffered a brain bleed after a heavy fall in his studio several weeks earlier, forcing him to cancel the rest of his 2025 tour dates.
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His family announced his passing in a statement to People.
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” they wrote. “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!”
A report by a Morris County medical examiner released on Tuesday found the rocker died from blunt force trauma to the head due to the fall.
Deputy examiner Frederick J DiCarlo noted evidence of a fracture at the back of his skull, a subdural haematoma and signs of a stroke.
Frehley underwent a craniotomy in hospital to ease the swelling of the brain shortly after his fall, the examiner also noted a number of bruises over his hip and left leg.
Alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss, Frehley founded KISS in 1973. He left the group in 1982 amid substance abuse issues and creative differences.
KISS’ biggest hits include Rock and Roll All Nite and Detroit Rock City.
Frehley, who was known for his Spaceman persona, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 alongside his bandmates.
Simmons, Stanley and Criss reunited to remember their late bandmate at his memorial service in New York last month.
KISS paid tribute to their friend in a statement: “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 (Ace’s ex-wife) Jeanette, (daughter) Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”
