A cause of death has been revealed following the death of KISS co-founder and guitarist Ace Frehley.
The rock star died in Morristown, NJ on Oct. 16, weeks after suffering a fall at his home. A report from the Morris County Medical Examiner, obtained by PEOPLE, confirmed Frehley died of blunt trauma injuries related to the fall, and the manner of his death was ruled an accident. He was 74 years old.
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken,” his family said in a statement at the time.
“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,” it continued. “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.”
Frehley told fans via social media the fall had been “minor,” but that he would still need to cancel a performance in California, scheduled for Sept. 26. Then, on Oct. 6, he canceled the rest of his 2025 tour dates “due to ongoing medical issues.”
The coroner’s report noted that Frehley suffered severe bruising, facial fractures near the eyes and left ear and an ultimately fatal brain bleed, NJ Advance Media said.
Frehley, known for his “Spaceman” persona when sporting the band’s black and white makeup, co-founded the KISS in 1973, and he left the group 1982. A New York native, he was buried in the Bronx during a ceremony attended by a “small group of family and close friends” — including original KISS members Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Peter Criss.
