Cause of Death for KISS Guitarist Ace Frehley Revealed
Legendary guitarist Ace Frehley, known for his work with KISS, passed away on October 16, 2025. His family made the heartbreaking choice to disconnect his ventilator. Recent reports have revealed the cause of his death.
Cause of Death for Ace Frehley
According to TMZ, Ace Frehley died from blunt trauma to the head following a fall. The Morris County, New Jersey Medical Examiner confirmed the details.
- Fracture to the back of the skull
- Subdural hematoma—a blood collection between the brain’s protective layer and the brain itself
- Stroke
The medical examiner classified the incident as an accident. Frehley, aged 74, was placed on life support after suffering a brain bleed from a fall in a studio. Although he underwent surgery to address the subdural hematoma, the procedure was unsuccessful.
Frehley’s History with KISS
As a founding member of KISS, Ace Frehley teamed up with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss in 1973. He remained with the band until 1982, when he left due to substance abuse problems and creative differences.
In a nostalgic interview with The Aquarian earlier this year, Frehley expressed optimism about his recovery from an arm injury. He humorously referred to a psychic who claimed he would live to be a hundred. This optimism, unfortunately, contrasts with the tragic news of his passing.
Frehley is the first original member of KISS to pass away, marking the end of an era for fans and the music world. His legacy as a pioneering guitarist will endure.
Rest in peace, Ace Frehley.
