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KISS guitarist, Ace Frehley, dies at 74 after fall
Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist for KISS, has died after suffering a fall last month. Frehley died surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey. He was 74 years old. LiveNOW’s Mike Pache has the latest updates and messages from those who knew Frehley during his life.
The cause of death has been confirmed for Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist for KISS, who died after suffering a fall last month.
Frehley’s is the first death among the four founding members, a group that also includes singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, bassist Gene Simmons and drummer Peter Criss.
Ace Frehley’s cause of death
Big picture view:
The Morris County, New Jersey Medical Examiner’s report released the findings. TMZ first reported Frehley’s cause of death.
Ace Frehley of Kiss performs at Arco Arena on August 28, 1996 in Sacramento, California. (Credit: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images)
According to the report, Frehley died as a result of blunt trauma injuries to the head due to a fall.
The report also said he suffered a fracture to the back of his skull, a subdural hematoma – a collection of blood formed between the brain's protective outer layer and the brain itself – and a stroke. His manner of death was ruled an accident.
Ace Frehley, Kiss guitarist, dies at 74
Dig deeper:
The KISS guitarist passed away Thursday, Oct. 16, after his family made the difficult decision to turn off his ventilator. He was 74 years old.
Frehley died peacefully surrounded by family.
What they're saying:
Family members said in a statement that they were "completely devastated and heartbroken" but ould cherish his laughter and celebrate the kindness he bestowed upon others.
Frehley previously suffered a brain bleed after falling in his studio in September and, as a result, had to cancel the rest of his tour.
The rock-and-roller was placed on a ventilator and had not shown signs of improvement, according to a TMZ report.
Ace Frehley’s legacy
The backstory:
Frehley was a founding member of KISS and remained as the lead guitarist until he left the group in 1982.
RELATED: Ace Frehley, KISS guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, dies at 74
He pursued a solo career and founded another band: Frehley's Comet.
In 1996, Frehley rejoined KISS for its reunion tour and stayed until 2002.
The Source: Information for this article was taken from The Morris County, New Jersey Medical Examiner’s report provided by TMZ. The Associated Press, Catherine Stoddard, previous FOX Local reporting contributed. This story was reported from Los Angeles.