Ace Frehley’s death shook the rock world to its core. The 74-year-old legendary KISS guitarist, known to millions as “The Spaceman,” died suddenly on October 16, leaving fans heartbroken and full of questions. Now, nearly a month later, those questions finally have answers.
According to the Morris County, New Jersey Medical Examiner’s Office, whose report was obtained by TMZ on Monday, November 10, Frehley died from “blunt trauma injuries of head due to fall.” The report rules the manner of death an accident.
In plain terms, it means Frehley fell, hit his head hard enough to cause multiple brain bleeds and skull fractures, and even though he underwent surgery (a left hemicraniectomy) to relieve the pressure, his body couldn’t recover. There’s no sign of foul play — just a tragic accident.
The heartbreaking part is how it all started without much alarm. On September 25, Frehley’s team shared that he’d taken what they described as a “minor fall” at his home studio. The post assured fans he was okay, just following doctor’s orders to skip an upcoming show in California.
A week later, the rest of his tour was officially canceled due to “ongoing medical issues.” At the time, it sounded temporary. Then, less than three weeks later, everything changed.
On October 16, reports surfaced that Frehley had been hospitalized and placed on life support after complications from his fall. By that evening, his family confirmed the news fans had feared: the KISS legend was gone.
Tributes poured in almost instantly.
In a statement obtained by Variety, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons said, “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. He is and will always be a part of Kiss’s legacy. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.” Peter Criss, the band’s original drummer, shared that he was by Frehley’s side in his final hours and called him a “brother.”
In the days that followed, Frehley was honored with a private memorial in Yonkers before being laid to rest in the Bronx, not far from where his story began. It was a full-circle farewell for the kid who grew up in New York dreaming of stadium lights and rock anthems.