Gene Simmons Attributes Ace Frehley’s Death to “Bad Decisions”
On October 16, 2023, Ace Frehley, the guitarist of the iconic band KISS, passed away at the age of 74. His death was attributed to injuries sustained from a fall in his home studio in New Jersey. Frehley will be honored posthumously during the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony, where KISS co-founder Gene Simmons provided insight into the circumstances surrounding his passing.
Gene Simmons’ Reflection on Ace Frehley’s Death
In a recent interview with the New York Post, Simmons discussed the tragic incident, suggesting that “bad decisions” may have contributed to Frehley’s fall. He implied that substance abuse could have played a role in this unfortunate event.
Details Surrounding Frehley’s Fall
- Date of Death: October 16, 2023
- Age: 74
- Location: New Jersey home studio
- Cause of Death: Injuries from a fall
Simmons remarked that Frehley often rejected help and advice from those who cared about him, highlighting the impact of poor lifestyle choices. “In and out of bad decisions. Falling down the stairs — I’m not a doctor — doesn’t kill you,” he stated. “There may have been other issues, and it breaks my heart.”
Medical Findings and Possible Factors
Following the fall, a medical examiner found that Frehley suffered several serious injuries, including:
- Skull fracture
- Subdural hematoma (brain bleed)
- Stroke
Frehley was placed on life support but ultimately did not survive. A toxicology report regarding his condition at the time of the incident has not yet been released. Notably, Frehley had stated in 2024 that he had been sober for 18 years prior to his passing.
Impact on KISS and Legacy
The loss of Ace Frehley is deeply felt within the music community and among KISS fans. As the band prepares to honor his legacy, discussions surrounding the impact of lifestyle choices and their consequences continue to resonate.
