Investigation Underway into Ace Frehley’s Cause of Death at 74

Following the death of legendary guitarist Ace Frehley at the age of 74, the Morris County, New Jersey medical examiner’s office has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of death. Frehley, known for his role as the “Spaceman” in the iconic rock band KISS, passed away on a Thursday, leaving fans and family in mourning.

As reported by TMZ, the medical examiner’s office confirmed that while an autopsy was not performed, Frehley is undergoing a toxicology screening and an external examination. These tests aim to establish the circumstances surrounding his death. At the time of this report, the examiner’s office had not responded to inquiries for further confirmation.

Frehley’s family expressed their devastation in a statement, saying, “We are completely devastated and heartbroken.” They highlighted the importance of their last moments with him, surrounded by love and care. The family emphasized that Frehley’s legacy and achievements would continue to resonate.

Approximately two weeks prior to his passing, Frehley had been on life support after suffering a brain bleed due to a fall at home. He had previously canceled a performance at the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster, California, citing a “minor fall” that required hospitalization. An update on his Instagram suggested he was recovering but advised against travel.

As his health issues persisted, Frehley’s team announced the cancellation of all his remaining appearances for the year. His contributions to KISS were significant, as he co-founded the band in 1973 alongside fellow members Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss. He was a core member until 1982 and returned for the band’s celebrated reunion tour in 1996, remaining until 2002.

KISS, known for their extravagant performances and memorable anthems, released several successful albums during Frehley’s tenure, including the celebrated 1977 albums “Love Gun” and “Alive II,” both of which reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200.

The band publicly mourned Frehley’s passing, stating on social media, “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.” They extended their condolences to his family and fans around the world.

In recognition of KISS’s impact on music, the band will be honored at the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors taping on December 7, with the event scheduled to air on December 23 on CBS. This marks a significant moment as Frehley will become only the third individual to receive this honor posthumously.

As the investigation into his cause of death continues, the music world remembers Ace Frehley not just as a talented guitarist, but as a pivotal figure in rock history whose influence will endure through generations.