The rockstar’s family has now broken their silence, offering a personal glimpse into the final, heartbreaking hours before the world learned of his passing.
Ace Frehley, 74, the original lead guitarist of KISS, died on October 16, 2025. His family confirmed the heartbreaking news, triggering a flood of grief as shocked fans mourned the loss of the rock legend across social media.
One netizen mourned, “Ozzy then Ace! 😢.” Another wrote, “May have left the stage, but the legend lives on🙏🏽.” A third called the news, “devastating 😢,” while a fourth posted in disbelief, “What????? Nooooo😢😢 RIP.”
The confirmation came via a statement posted to Frehley’s official Instagram account late Thursday:
“Ace Frehley, GRAMMY® Award nominated and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted rock guitarist; and iconic founding member of KISS, died today at age 74. Frehley passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey, following a recent fall at his home.”
Advertisement
The statement also named his surviving family, including his wife Jeanette, daughter Monique, brother Charles, sister Nancy Salvner, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. The accompanying image featured their message.
According to TMZ, the rock legend had suffered a serious fall in his home studio several weeks earlier. That incident reportedly caused a brain bleed, leaving Frehley in critical condition and eventually hospitalized and placed on a ventilator. Despite desperate hopes for recovery, sources close to the family said he remained unresponsive for days.
By Thursday afternoon, he was still alive but entirely dependent on life support, and his family was bravely facing the agonizing decision of next steps. Online speculation of his death began circulating prematurely, but the family waited until his peaceful passing that evening to confirm the tragic news.
Ace Frehley’s legacy is monumental. As KISS’s lead guitarist, he helped define an era — dazzling audiences with his larger-than-life “Spaceman” persona and pioneering guitar work. His place in rock history was forever cemented when he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Funeral details have not yet been announced.