KISS legend Ace Frehley died at the age of 74 Thursday after suffering a devastating brain bleed that left him on life support.
After being hospitalized and placed on a ventilator, the iconic musician passed away when his family made the difficult decision to turn off life support, per TMZ.
The musician reportedly collapsed in his home studio a few weeks ago, hitting his head in a frightening fall that triggered the medical crisis, per the outlet.
Frehley’s rep Lori Lousararian told Rolling Stone that the musician died following a ‘recent fall at his home,’ though details beyond that were not immediately clear.
Since then, his condition worsened, forcing the rock icon to cancel all remaining tour dates. Sources close to Frehley told TMZ that he had been on a ventilator for days, with doctors seeing little improvement before the heartbreaking decision.
Frehley’s family issued a statement obtained by Rolling Stone saying they ‘are completely devastated and heartbroken’ by his passing, but relieved they were able to provide him with comfortable conditions at the end.
‘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,’ Frehley’s family said.
Frehley’s family honored the musicians legacy as well as ‘his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others.’
They continued: ‘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!’
Frehley — the Bronx-born guitarist who helped form KISS in 1973 alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss — played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s wild, face-painted legacy.
Frehley was the guitar genius behind KISS classics like Detroit Rock City, I Was Made for Lovin’ You, and Rock and Roll All Nite.
After leaving the group in 1982, he launched Frehley’s Comet before reuniting with KISS for their blockbuster 1996 reunion tour.
He remained until 2002, continuing to perform and record solo in the years that followed.
Frehley’s official Instagram assured fans he was ‘fine,’ in an Instagram post on September 25, though doctors had ordered him not to travel
Just a week later, a follow-up post confirmed he was canceling the remainder of his 2025 dates, citing ‘ongoing medical issues.’
The emotional posts left fans frantic for answers, especially after Frehley abruptly announced he was canceling the rest of his 2025 tour.
‘Due to some ongoing medical issues, Ace has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of his 2025 dates,’ read the somber message posted to his official Instagram on Monday, October 6.
It was the second time in weeks the ‘Spaceman’ musician pulled out of shows due to health concerns. Just last month, he revealed he had suffered a ‘minor fall in his studio’ that landed him in the hospital.
The post at the time read: ‘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.
Rumors rippled through the rock world that Frehley had passed after veteran music journalist Mitch Lafon tweeted, ‘Ace, Thank you for the music & memories God bless’
The cryptic farewell was echoed by Tool frontman Maynard James Keenan, who added, ‘Godspeed, Ace’ – fueling speculation that something was seriously wrong with the beloved guitarist.
Poison frontman Bret Michaels shared an emotional memorial to Ace on social media with a selfie of them posed with one another.
‘Ace, my brother, I surely cannot thank you enough for the years of great music, the many festivals we’ve done together and your lead guitar on Nothing But A Good Time,’ Michaels said in reference to the 1988 Poison party anthem.
He wrapped up in writing, ‘All my love and respect, from my family and myself – may you rest in peace!!!’
Musician Richie Kotzen said he was ‘saddened’ to hear about the death of ‘a true legend,’ accompanying the post with the selfie of them posed together.
‘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 troubling news about Frehley comes just days after his KISS bandmate Simmons broke his silence following a frightening car crash in Malibu.
The 76-year-old star was hospitalized last week after apparently passing out while driving down Pacific Coast Highway and slamming into a parked car.
Simmons was treated at a local hospital and later released, telling fans he’s ‘completely fine.’
Taking to X, the bassist joked about his driving skills while thanking everyone for their support: ‘Thanks, everybody, for the kind wishes. I’m completely fine. I had a slight fender bender. It happens. Especially to those of us who are horrible drivers. And that’s me. All is well.’
NBC4 LA reported that Simmons’ Lincoln Navigator veered into a parked vehicle after he allegedly fainted behind the wheel.
The rock icon has since reassured fans he’s recovering and doing well.
