Medical examiner says Kiss founding member’s death was accidental, caused by blunt force injuries from a fall
Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist and founding member of the glam rock band Kiss, died from blunt force injuries to the head that he suffered in a fall earlier this year, an autopsy has determined.
Frehley died peacefully on 16 October surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, a few weeks after the fall occurred, according to his agent. The Morris county medical examiner’s office determined that Frehley’s death was an accident. The report said Frehley, 74, suffered facial fractures near the eyes and left ear and also had bruising on his left abdomen and thigh area and his right hip and upper thigh.
Kiss, whose hits included Rock and Roll All Nite and I Was Made for Lovin’ You, were known for their theatrical stage shows. The original lineup included Frehley, singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, tongue-wagging bassist Gene Simmons and drummer Peter Criss. Frehley’s is the first death among the four founding members.
Frehley inspired a generation of guitarists and performed on Kiss’s first nine albums. His death was announced by his family last month, with his loved ones declaring themselves collectively “completely devastated and heartbroken”. “Reflecting on all of his incredible life achievements, Ace’s memory will continue to live on forever!” the family statement said.
