Ace Frehley, best known for his role as the lead guitarist and a founding member of the rock band KISS, passed away after having a traumatic fall in his studio in late September. Initially, the fall was believed to be a "minor" incident until it put Ace in the hospital weeks later. On October 16, 2025, at the age of 74, Frehley was removed from life support, surrounded by family and friends.
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After his passing, his family released the following statement: "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."
The statement continued, "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!"
Reports from the Morris County Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death, which was blunt trauma injuries to the head. Frehley suffered internal bleeding from the fall in his home studio, leading him to pass away a few weeks after the initial accident.
KISS Releases Statements Following Frehley's Death
Ace's relationship with his former bandmates, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, was tense right until the end. Mostly, it was highlighted by a history of conflicting styles between the band members and differences in opinion.
Before his death, Frehley made negative comments about Stanley and Simmons while promoting his new record. "Paul and Gene have tried to destroy my reputation over the years — we know that. And unfortunately for them, 10,000 Volts is going to make them look like imbeciles," he shared with Guitar World.
Despite their strained relationship with the ex-lead guitarist, Simmons and Stanley posted a joint statement, offering their condolences to his wife, Jeanette, and his daughter, Monique. "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," the statement read.
Peter Criss, who was also a member of KISS, also shared an emotional statement. "With a broken heart and deep, deep sadness, my brother Ace Frehley has passed away. He died peacefully with his family around him. My wife and I were with him to the end as well." Peter and Ace maintained a solid relationship up until Ace's passing.
He spoke kind words of Frehley. "I love you, my brother... As a founding member of the rock group KISS and in Ace's solo career, Ace influenced and touch[ed] the hearts of millions of people. His legacy will live on in the music industry and in the hearts of the KISS Army."
Photo By: Daniel Zuchnik/Getty
