A New Jersey medical examiner has announced the cause of death of KISS founding member and original lead guitarist Ace Frehley, who died Oct. 16 at the age of 74.
Morris County Deputy Medical Examiner Frederick J. DiCarlo that the cause of death was blunt trauma injuries to the head caused by a fall, according to the medical report.
A CT scan of Frehley’s head revealed extensive bleeding between the brain and the outer, protective layers of the organ. There was also evidence of a fracture at the base of the skull and a brain bruise among other findings.
Frehley reportedly fell in his studio in September. In the weeks after the fall, messages on his official social media channels informed fans that he would be cancelling his remaining 2025 tour dates.
The legendary guitarist was placed on a ventilator, according to TMZ, but did not recover.
Frehley died peacefully while surrounded by family members in Morristown, New Jersey, according to his agent.
Who was Ace Frehley?
Born Paul Daniel Frehley, he grew up in a musical family and began playing guitar at age 13. Before joining KISS, he played in local bands around New York City and was a roadie for the late Jimi Hendrix at age 18.
KISS was especially popular in the mid-1970s, selling tens of millions of albums and licensing its iconic look to become a marketing marvel. “Beth” was its biggest commercial hit in the U.S., peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Top 100 in 1976.
He left the band in 1982, missing the years when they took off the makeup and had mixed success.
Frehley performed both as a solo artist and with his band, Frehley’s Comet.
But he rejoined KISS in the mid-1990s for a triumphant reunion and restoration of their original style that came after bands including Nirvana, Weezer and the Melvins had expressed affection for the band and paid them musical tributes.
He would leave again in 2002. When the original four entered the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, a dispute scrapped plans for them to perform.
Frehley and KISS also had a huge influence on the glammy style of 1980s so-called hair metal bands including Mötley Crüe and Poison.
Frehley would appear occasionally with Kiss for shows in later years. A 2023 concert at Madison Square Garden was billed as the band’s last. While Stanley and Simmons said they would not tour again, they’ve been open to the possibility of more concerts, and they’ve stayed active promoting the group’s music and memorabilia.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
