The Grammy-nominated musician’s family has revealed emotional details about his final moments, while his bandmates released a statement honoring his legacy.
KISS lead guitarist Ace Frehley has died aged 74, with his family confirming the news on October 16, 2025. The public flooded social media with tributes, honoring the legendary musician who helped define a generation of rock.
A netizen reacts to Ace Frehley’s death at 74, posted on October 16, 2025 | Source: Instagram/tmz_tv
Who Was Left Heartbroken by His Death?
Several netizens reacted to Frehley’s shocking death. One heartbroken individual exclaimed, “Ozzy then Ace! 😢,” another supporter called the news, “devastating 😢,” and a third posted in disbelief, “What????? Nooooo😢😢 RIP.”
Ace Frehley performs on stage with Kiss in Hartford, Connecticut, on November 25, 1998 | Source: Getty Images
A fourth remarked, “Omg No .. Ace this is so tragic so so sad .. Another Rock n Roll Legend Gone .. Ahh Heaven Has One Hell Of A Band .. R.I.P Sweet Man 💙💙 [sic].” A separate commenter added, “Horrible news. R.I.P. to a legend.”
Another fan wrote, “May have left the stage, but the legend lives on🙏🏽,” while someone else chimed in, “Legends never die … ❤️.” Another stated, “Rock and Roll Icon! May he rest in peace 🙏🙏.”
Ace Frehley performs with KISS at the International Amphitheater in Chicago, Illinois, on September 22, 1979 | Source: Getty Images
What Did the Family Reveal in the Official Statement?
The news of Frehley’s death came via a statement posted to his Instagram page:
“Ace Frehley, GRAMMY® Award nominated and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted rock guitarist; and iconic founding member of KISS, died today at age 74. Frehley passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall at his home.”
The statement also named his surviving family, including his wife, Jeanette; daughter, Monique; brother, Charles; sister, Nancy Salvner; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. The accompanying image featured their message.
What Happened in the Weeks Before His Death?
Additional details about Frehley’s condition were later reported by TMZ. The outlet revealed that the rock legend had been hospitalized and placed on a ventilator after suffering complications from the fall.
The incident had caused a brain bleed, and despite efforts to stabilize him, sources close to the family said he remained unresponsive for several days.
By Thursday afternoon, he was still alive but entirely dependent on life support, and his family was bravely facing the agonizing decision of next steps. Online speculation of his death began circulating prematurely, but the family waited until his peaceful passing that evening to confirm the tragic news.
Ace Frehley attends the VH1 Classic Rock ‘n’ Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada, on November 2, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
When Did the Public First Sense Something Was Wrong?
On October 5, just 11 days before his death, Frehley shared what would become his final Instagram post: announcing that he was cancelling the rest of his 2025 tour due to lingering medical setbacks.
A week earlier, on September 27, a post on his official Facebook page revealed he had suffered a minor fall in his studio. He had visited the hospital and, following medical advice, cancelled a scheduled appearance at the Antelope Valley Fair in California.
At the time, Frehley assured fans he still planned to resume touring and continue work on his upcoming album, “Origins Vol. 3.”
Why Will Ace Frehley’s Legacy Never Be Forgotten?
Frehley’s legacy is monumental. As KISS’s lead guitarist, he helped define an era — dazzling audiences with his larger-than-life “Spaceman” persona and pioneering guitar work. His place in rock history was forever cemented when he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Ace Frehley attends the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in New York City on April 10, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
His longtime bandmates — lead singer Gene Simmons and guitarist Paul Stanley — responded publicly in the wake of his death, issuing a joint statement to The Hollywood Reporter:
“I am 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. He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy. My thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”
Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley, Peter Criss, and Gene Simmons of KISS perform during the Psycho Circus World Tour in Mexico City on April 24, 1999 | Source: Getty Images
The news of Frehley’s passing comes as Simmons faced a separate health scare several days ago. As previously reported, he was hospitalized on Tuesday, October 7, but was later released and is recovering well.
His wife, Shannon Tweed, assured fans that he is on the road to recovery. She revealed that doctors had adjusted his medications and were now urging him to drink more water — something she admitted he’s not exactly a fan of.
The hospitalization came after an accident along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu at around 1 p.m., when Simmons’ Lincoln Navigator crashed into a parked car.
Simmons’s SUV careened across multiple lanes of traffic before he ultimately passed out behind the wheel. While speaking to first responders, the 76-year-old musician admitted he had fainted, causing him to slam into a parked car.
This account was later confirmed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. In the aftermath, Simmons left a voicemail with NBC4 Investigates, insisting that he is doing fine.
The musician also took to X to update his fans on the situation. He thanked followers for their well-wishes, saying, “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.”
The accident came just days after Simmons’s wedding anniversary with Tweed, which she marked with a sweet tribute on Instagram. “Better together,” she wrote as her post caption.
