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Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley died of “blunt force trauma” to the head after an accidental fall. This is according to the Morris County, New Jersey coroner’s report (via TMZ).
The guitarist, whose real name was Paul Frehley, died last month at the age of 74 in Morristown, New Jersey. At the time of his death, a spokesman said Frehley died “after a recent fall at his home,” but did not provide the exact cause of death.
According to the report, a CT scan of his head showed multiple contusions, broken bones in the back of his skull, bleeding and a subdural hematoma. A form of bleeding in the brain following head trauma.
Injuries and medical report
Additional bruising was noted on the hip, thigh and abdomen. Frehley also previously suffered from a stroke. As TMZ reports, the musician was placed on life support after his fall. He died after his family decided to turn off the ventilator. Doctors previously attempted a hemicraniectomy. A surgical procedure that should help relieve pressure from the hematoma.
Career and legacy
Frehley was a member of Kiss since its first concerts in 1973 and remained with the band until 1982, before leaving due to drug problems and creative differences – particularly with Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. He returned for the major reunion tour in 1996, but left the group again in 2002.
All four founding members performed together at Kiss’ induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. Their last appearance together took place in 2018. Frehley was scheduled to attend the Kennedy Center Honors this year, where Kiss was honored.
“No one can touch Ace’s legacy,” Gene Simmons wrote after Frehley’s death. “He loved the fans – he often told me that. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. His legacy will live on.”
Last appearances and farewell
After leaving Kiss, Frehley was active as a solo artist. He gave his last concert on September 5th in Providence, Rhode Island. Later that month, he canceled an appearance at the Antelope Valley Fair in California after falling at home. A month later, all further appointments were canceled due to “ongoing health problems”.
The funeral took place on October 23rd in the Bronx. Friend and SiriusXM host Eddie Trunk said he received permission from the family to organize “a tribute show or fan memorial event.” Details are still pending.