Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley's cause of death confirmed by New Jersey coroner

"The Morris County medical examiner of New Jersey determined the official cause of death for Kiss founding guitarist Ace Frehley, who died in October. His death was ruled an accident. The medical examiner for New Jersey's Morris County said in a report, published by TMZ, that Frehley died of "blunt trauma injuries" to his head suffered during a fall. The report listed injuries including a brain bleed and fractures to his skull."

"'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,' the family said in a statement at the time. Frehley was 74. 'We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others,' the statement continued. 'The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and beyond comprehension.'"

"Frehley, known also for his Spaceman alter ego, died less than two weeks after canceling the remainder of his 2025 live performances due to undisclosed "onging medical issues." He was also hospitalized in late September after suffering a "minor fall" in his studio, his tour manager John Ostrosky announced. Though the rocker was "fine," doctors urged him to take time from the road to recover, prompting him to cancel his appearance at the Antelope Valley Fair."

Morris County medical examiner determined Ace Frehley's cause of death as blunt trauma injuries to the head sustained during a fall, and ruled the death an accident. The report listed a brain bleed and skull fractures among his injuries. Frehley died Oct. 16 at age 74. His family said he had recently suffered a fall and described surrounding him with loving, peaceful words and prayers in his final moments, cherishing his memories, laughter, strengths and kindness. Frehley had canceled the remainder of his 2025 live performances citing undisclosed "onging medical issues" and was hospitalized in late September after a minor fall in his studio.

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