Ace Frehley death reportedly being investigated following shock passing from massive brain bleed

Fans of classic rock were dealt a heartbreaking blow on Oct. 16, when news broke that Ace Frehley, KISS’s fiery lead guitarist and occasional frontman, had died at 74. His passing followed a brain bleed caused by a fall inside his home studio, a tragic accident that led to him being placed on and later removed from life support. Billboard remembered Ace Frehley, long known as “The Spaceman,” as one of the most electrifying guitarists of his generation, a player whose solos and stage flair helped define an era of rock spectacle.

In the days following his death, TMZ reported that a medical investigation had been opened by New Jersey authorities. The Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that while no full autopsy had been performed, Ace Frehley's body would undergo an external examination and toxicology screening. Officials said a final ruling on the cause of death would be issued in the next few weeks.

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Ace Frehley’s family breaks silence after guitarist’s tragic death:

For nearly a decade, Ace Frehley, born Paul Frehley, defined the sonic edge of KISS. From 1973 to 1982, his signature riffs and spaced-out persona became essential to the band’s identity before he struck out on his own with Frehley’s Comet and later built a thriving solo career. After his death, Frehley’s family released a statement filled with emotion and gratitude for the time they shared with him.

“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. We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others." the statement read.

His family concluded the statement by sharing:

"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!”

Just weeks before his death, Frehley had been hospitalized following a fall in his studio. His team shared an update through Instagram to reassure fans.

“Dear Rock Soldiers, Ace had a minor fall in his studio, resulting in a trip to the hospital, he is fine, but against his wishes, his doctor insists that he refrain from travel at this time. As a result, he is forced to cancel his performance at the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster, California on Friday, September 26th. Please go to the fair to support his friends in Quiet Riot and Vixen, and Ace looks forward to continuing on his tour and finishing work on his next album, Origins Vol. 4,” the post read.

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Fans revisit the music of Ace Frehley as streams of KISS classics surge after his death:

In the wake of Ace Frehley’s passing, fans turned to the music that made him immortal. Streams of KISS’s back catalog soared in the days following his death, reflecting the scale of affection still surrounding the band’s original “Spaceman.” Between Oct. 17 and 19, KISS songs racked up nearly 6.8 million official on-demand streams in the United States, a 187 percent leap compared with the three days before (Oct. 13–15), according to Luminate. Digital song sales rose sharply too, with almost 4,500 downloads logged, a staggering 1,664 percent jump, Billboard reported.

The biggest wave of rediscovery centered on “New York Groove,” Frehley’s 1978 solo hit that peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. Though the song appeared under KISS’s umbrella in the streaming database, it was Frehley’s moment in the spotlight, part of the group’s unique 1978 experiment where all four members released solo records simultaneously. Over those three days, “New York Groove” was streamed 318,000 times and sold 700-plus copies, surges of 530 percent and 4,217 percent.

Frehley’s solo discography also experienced renewed interest. Fans streamed his individual works 586,000 times and purchased nearly 800 songs in that short span, spikes of 2,940 percent and 5,140 percent, respectively.

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KISS bandmates mourn Ace Frehley’s death:

Ace Frehley’s fellow founding KISS bandmates paid tribute to the guitarist following his death. In a joint statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons reflected on Frehley’s legacy and the mark he left on the band’s history.

“I am 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. My thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world,” the statement read.

Former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick, who performed with the group from 1984 to 1996, also remembered Frehley in an emotional Instagram tribute.

“The news of Ace’s passing is devastating to the world of rock. It has deeply affected me as well, he was one of a kind, a truly iconic guitar player. His undeniable role in the creation and success of KISS cannot be forgotten. Not only was he loved by all, he influenced millions of guitarists around the world. RIP,” he wrote.