Founding Member of Rock Band Kiss Found Dead

Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the legendary rock band KISS, has passed away at the age of 74. The news was confirmed by his family in a heartfelt statement shared on Thursday.

“We are completely devastated and heartbroken. 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,” the statement read.

“We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others. 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!” They said.

Frehley’s former KISS bandmates, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, also shared a statement with Page Six, expressing their sorrow.

“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 said. “He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy. Our thoughts are with [his estranged wife] Jeanette, [daughter] Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”

The official cause of Frehley’s death has not been released. He had been hospitalized on life support earlier, following a fall in his studio that caused a brain bleed.

On September 25, his official Instagram account confirmed the incident, stating that the rocker “had a minor fall” which required a hospital visit. The post added, “He is fine, but against his wishes, his doctor insists that he refrain from travel at this time. Ace looks forward to continuing on his tour and finishing work on his next album, ‘Origins Vol. 4.’”

A later Instagram update on October 6 revealed that Frehley had canceled the remainder of his 2025 tour due to “some ongoing medical issues.”

Born Paul Daniel Frehley in the Bronx, New York, he was introduced to music at a young age by his family. Frehley taught himself guitar, drawing inspiration from artists like B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and the Rolling Stones. His unique style and stage presence helped define KISS’s sound and image, making him an iconic figure in rock history.

Ace Frehley’s passing marks the end of an era for KISS and the rock world. His music, influence, and unforgettable performances will continue to inspire fans for generations.

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