Ace Frehley, the legendary guitarist, died as a result of blunt trauma to the head due to a fall. The Morris County, New Jersey Medical Examiner’s office released the official findings, as reported by TMZ.
The medical examination revealed multiple serious injuries sustained from the fall. Frehley suffered a fracture to the back of his skull, a subdural hematoma—a collection of blood formed between the brain’s protective outer layer and the brain itself—and a stroke. His manner of death was ruled an accident.
The tragic incident occurred on October 16, 2025, when the KISS founding member was 74 years old. The fall resulted in extensive injuries that extended beyond the head trauma. Fox News reported that Frehley suffered multiple contusions, bone fractures to the back of his skull, and hemorrhages. He also sustained additional bruises on his hip, thigh, and abdomen. The combination of these injuries proved fatal, leading to his death shortly after the accident.
Frehley had informed fans about the fall earlier in September 2025. He made the difficult decision to cancel his remaining tour dates by October 6. His condition deteriorated following the fall, and his family ultimately made the decision to turn off his ventilator before he died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, as detailed by Arrow Lords of Metal.
The rock icon was laid to rest on October 22, 2025, at Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx, New York. A private memorial service was held to honor his memory. LiveNow from Fox noted that this marked the end of an era for one of rock music’s most influential figures. His contributions to KISS and the broader rock genre left an indelible mark on generations of musicians and fans alike.
