KISS guitarist Ace Frehley's cause of death confirmed following his death aged 74 - how did he die?
The cause of death for KISS guitarist Ace Frehley has been confirmed following his passing at the age of 74.
The glam rock musician, who was a founding member of the legendary band KISS alongside Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Gene Simmons, died on October 16. It came after Frehley suffered a fall at his home studio on September 25 and was hospitalised and put on a ventilator.
It has now been confirmed that Frehley sustained a skull fracture as a result of the fall, a subdural hematoma, which when a blood pools between the brain and its protective outer layer, and a stroke.
According to the coroner’s reports, obtained by TMZ, the cause of death was officially recorded as an accident, with blunt trauma injuries of the head due to a fall.
Frehley’s death came as a shock to fans and his fellow KISS members. The band said in a statement on social media at the time: “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 Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”
Frehley was a member of the band between the formation in 1973 until 1983 and took on the ‘Spaceman’ and ‘Space Ace’ persona. He rejoined the band in 1996 before again departing in 2002. After leaving KISS for a second time, Frehley went on to continue his solo career.
Fans have since paid tribute to the late guitarist. One heartbroken fan said: “Thank you Ace. You were the reason I picked up my first Guitar. You will be forever missed. A truly irreplaceable loss for rock ‘n’ roll.”
Another added: “There are no words, Ace. KISS was my introduction to rock and roll, and you were a larger than life guitar hero to this little boy with the eyes wide open. Thank you for a lifetime of music. God’s speed, Spaceman!”