KISS founding member and guitarist Ace Frehley died at the age of 74. “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 shared in a statement to Variety. “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 was on life support after getting a brain injury in a fall while he was in the studio on September 25. At the time, his official Instagram called the incident a “minor fall” but still insinuated that Frehley would be in good health. “He is fine, but against his wishes, his doctor insists that he refrain from travel at this time,” he wrote at the time, and canceled an upcoming concert in Lancaster. Two weeks later, Frehley canceled the remainder of his shows for the year. Vulture has reached out to Frehley’s rep for further comment.
