KISS guitarist Ace Frehley tragically passed away at the age of 74 on Oct. 16 after it was announced that he was hospitalized and on life support after suffering a brain bleed.
The bleed was caused by a fall Frehley took in his studio a few weeks back, and the initial report said that he was “on a ventilator for some time, and hasn’t gotten better,” which led to the decision to take him off life support.
However, less than a week after Frehley’s passing, TMZ now reports that the New Jersey medical examiner has opened an investigation. A representative for the Morris County Medical Examiner told the outlet that an autopsy has not been performed yet, but Frehley is “receiving a toxicology screening along with an external body examination.”
The expectation is that Frehley’s cause of death will be “finalized in the next few weeks after the toxicology report is completed.”
Ace Frehley’s Family Released A Statement After His Tragic Passing
“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. 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!,” the family said in a statement (via Variety).
Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley Mourn Ace Frehley
Following Frehley’s death, his KISS bandmates shared sweet words about how much he meant to them. Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons released a joint statement to The Hollywood Reporter.
“I am devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley,” the statement read. “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.”
Frehley was a founding member of the band, alongside Simmons, Stanley and Peter Criss.
I remember the growing up in the Bronx listening to KISS rock and roll all night…. was playing the jukebox and the Louie’s Pizzeria. We all knew ACE was from the Bronx . Every kid had a different hero on the Album. Thanks for the memories spaceman. I know you’re rocking in heaven right now.