One week after Ace Frehley’s death, New Jersey state officials have ordered an examination into the Kiss founding guitarist’s death.
Frehley died on October 16 in Morristown, New Jersey after his family decided to remove him from life support. The guitarist had been in a coma and on a ventilator after falling in his home studio.
TMZ reports that “a New Jersey medical examiner is now investigating his death.” The Morris County Medical Examiner’s office is conducting a toxicology screening along with an external body examination to finalize the cause of death.
“The rep also said Ace's cause of death will be finalized in the next few weeks after the toxicology report is completed,” the site reports.
Frehley’s health problems began before September 26 when he suffered what was described by his team as "a minor fall in his studio.” He subsequently canceled the September 26 show on his tour in support of his most recent solo album, 10,000 Volts, released February 2024. On October 6, his team announced he was cancelling all remaining shows in October and November to focus on his recovery.
Shortly afterward, on October 10, Frehley texted Guitar Player contributing writer Andrew Daly to confirm he was well and just taking a break.
“All good,” the guitarist wrote. “…needed a timeout, from a minor fall on the carpet in my studio!”
On October 16, reports surfaced that the Frehley had suffered a brain bleed and was on life support. His family decided to remove him from life support that evening.
“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,” his family said in a statement.
“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!”
Frehley, whose electric guitar of choice throughout his career was a Gibson Les Paul, was a founding member of Kiss, the glam-rock act that brought a new level of theatrics to rock performance. With his silver outfit, painted face and tall platform boots, the guitarist became known as the Spaceman and Space Ace.
He often made light of his habit of tripping over his boots onstage.
“I used to fall a lot in those boots,” Frehley told Music Radar earlier this year. “A lot of times. Paul [Stanley] would would cover for me by walking over to me like it was part of the show.”
Sadly, that same habit would result in his death.
