Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley’s death under investigation
An investigation has reportedly been launched into the death of Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley.
On October 16th, Frehley died in Morristown, New Jersey. His family said in a statement, “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.”
They continued, “We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others. 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.”
Hours before his death was announced, it was reported that Frehley was on life support after suffering a brain bleed in the studio in September, which had caused him to cancel the rest of his forthcoming concerts in 2025.
Now, TMZ is reporting that a New Jersey medical examiner has launched an investigation into Frehley’s passing.
A representative from the Morris County Medical Examiner told the publication that no autopsy was carried out on Frehley, but the late guitarist is currently receiving a toxicology screening along with an external body examination.
The new report states that Frehley’s cause of death is expected to be revealed within the next few weeks once the toxicology report has concluded.
Following news of Frehley’s death, the rock world honoured his legacy with tributes, including from his former band who said in a joint statement, “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.”
Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Kriss all also shared individual statements remembering their former bandmate with Simmons calling him an “eternal rock soldier”.
On December 7th, Frehley is set to become only the third musician in history, after Eagles’ Glenn Frey and Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh, to posthumously receive a Kennedy Center Honor.
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