The shock death of KISS rock star Ace Frehley aged 74 is under investigation with a toxicology report ordered.
The rock icon died last week after being on life support for weeks following a fall in a studio, leaving the world of music in mourning.
Now TMZ reports that Frehley’s passing is being investigated by a New Jersey medical examiner – with a Morris County Medical Examiner representative confirming that no autopsy was conducted after his shock death from a massive brain bleed.
There will also be a reported ‘external body examination.’
The representative revealed the musician’s cause of death will be finalized in the ‘next few weeks’ after the toxicology report is completed.
The founding guitarist of KISS passed away on October 16 – with his family issuing a heartbreaking statement.
The shock death of KISS rock star Ace Frehley aged 74 is under investigation with a toxicology report ordered. Seen in 2018
Frehley was a rock legend and founding member of Kiss. From left, Peter Criss, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Frehley in 1979 in New York City
They said: ‘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.
‘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!’
In September, it was revealed that Ace was in a hospital after suffering a fall.
A statement posted on his Instagram page read: ‘Dear Rock Soldiers, Ace had a minor fall in his studio, resulting in a trip to the hospital.
‘He is fine, but against his wishes, his doctor insists that he refrain from travel at this time. As a result, he is forced to cancel his performance at the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster, California on Friday, September 26th.
‘Please go to the fair to support his friends in Quiet Riot and Vixen, and Ace looks forward to continuing on his tour and finishing work on his next album, ‘Origins Vol. 4. [rocket and lightening emojis].’
Ace – whose real name was Paul Frehley – played with KISS from its inception in 1973 until his departure in 1982. He subsequently formed his own band named Frehley’s Comet, and even enjoyed success as a solo artist.
He died on October 16 after his family made the harrowing choice to pull his life support after he suffered a brain bleed (pictured 2018)
A toxicology report is reportedly underway to determine what was in his system when he passed away. There will also be a reported ‘external body examination.’ Seen in 1999
Ace discussed his own musical legacy during a 2024 interview with Anti Hero magazine.
He said at the time: ‘I have to say, almost every guitar player I meet, at least 75 percent, if not more, say to me, “I picked up the guitar because of you. When I heard Alive! that was it, I decided to pick up a guitar and start learning your songs.”‘
Frehley is the first member of the original four members of Kiss to pass away. The original lineup consisted of him, singer/guitarist Paul Stanley, bass player Gene Simmons and drummer Peter Criss.
The musical ensemble, which formed in 1973, in 2014 was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Frehley played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s wild, face-painted legacy, bringing essential elements of showmanship to KISS’s act.
The band famously blended hard rock anthems – such as Detroit Rock City, I Was Made for Lovin’ You, and Rock and Roll All Nite – with elaborate costumes, wigs, platform boots and over-the-top pyrotechnics.
Frehley is survived by his wife Jeanette and his daughter Monique.
Last week Simmons and another KISS bandmate, Paul Stanley, described Frehley as an ‘irreplaceable rock soldier’ following his death, aged 74.
The two KISS guitarists have led tributes to their late bandmate – who died on October 16 following a recent fall at his home – admitting they have been left ‘devastated’ by his passing.
Gene and Paul wrote in a joint statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter: ‘I am devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley.
‘He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history.
‘He is and will always be a part of KISS’s legacy. My thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.’
Kiss, group portrait, without make up in London in August 1983; L-R, Simmons, Paul Stanley, Vinnie Vincent, Eric Carr
KISS founding member Peter Criss wrote on X: ‘I’m shocked!!! My friend… I love you! #KissArmy #AceFrehley #Kiss #Spaceman (sic)’
Meanwhile, in early October Simmons was rushed to hospital after crashing his car into a parked motor.
He was driving his SUV on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu when he is said to have lost consciousness.
