Ace Frehley’s Death Ruled Accidental Following Fall
Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley died from blunt trauma injuries sustained in a fall, the Morris County Medical Examiner confirmed today.
The report, finalized November 10, 2025, detailed multiple contusions, skull fractures, hemorrhages, and a subdural hematoma. Additional bruising was found on his hip, thigh, and abdomen, and the report also noted he had suffered a stroke. Frehley, whose real name was Paul Daniel Frehley, passed away on October 16, 2024, at the age of 74, after his family made the difficult decision to remove him from life support following a brain bleed.
A private memorial service was held on October 21, 2024, at Sinatra Memorial Home in Yonkers, New York, followed by burial at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, where he grew up and requested to be laid to rest near his parents. Fellow original KISS members Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss were among those in attendance, as reported by SiriusXM host Eddie Trunk. Frehley’s passing marks the loss of a foundational figure in the hard rock genre and a pioneer of the “space ace” guitar style. He had recently been working on “Origins Vol. 3” and released his latest solo album, “10,000 Volts,” in February 2024; you can learn more about his discography on AllMusic.
Frehley co-founded KISS in 1973 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the band’s original lineup in 2014. He had a complex relationship with his bandmates, often discussing creative differences and struggles with substance abuse. Officials stated they are closing the case and no further investigation is needed.
