Ace Frehley: KISS Icon’s Cause Of Death Confirmed As Accidental Fall

The rock world continues to mourn the loss of Ace Frehley, the original KISS guitarist whose swagger, riffs, and spaced out charisma shaped one of rock’s most recognisable personas.

The Morris County Medical Examiner has confirmed that Frehley, who passed away on October 16, 2025, died of blunt trauma injuries to the head following a fall, he was 74. According to the medical report obtained by TMZ, Frehley suffered multiple skull fractures, haemorrhages, and a subdural hematoma, bleeding caused by a head injury. The report also noted he had previously suffered a stroke, his death has been ruled an accident.

Frehley’s final resting place is Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York, fittingly close to his roots. A private memorial took place at Sinatra Memorial Home in Yonkers on October 21, followed by his burial the next day. Long time manager John Ostrosky expressed gratitude to those who helped make the farewell possible, saying:

“We would like to thank Frank Sinatra Jr., Joseph Vivona and the entire staff at Sinatra Memorial Home, as well as Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza, Chief Richard Alaimo, as well as the supervisors, officers, and especially the Traffic Division for a safe escort to Woodlawn. Ace would have loved that!”

A tight circle of family and friends attended the services, including fellow original KISS members Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss. Broadcaster Eddie Trunk shared that Frehley was laid to rest “very close to where his parents were buried, which were his wishes.”

Frehley’s passing came shortly after a second fall at home that led to a brain bleed and hospitalisation. After being placed on life support, his family made the difficult decision to remove him from the ventilator.

“We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” his family said in a statement. “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.”

From co-founding KISS in 1973 to earning his rightful place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Ace Frehley carved out a legacy of raw individuality. Beyond the Spaceman persona, he remained candid about his sobriety journey, crediting his daughter for inspiring him to quit drinking in 2006.