Original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley has died at the age of 74. The news of his passing comes just hours after TMZ.com reported that the musician was hospitalized on life support after he suffered a brain bleed when he took a fall in his studio a couple weeks ago.

Frehley‘s family issued the following statement: “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!”

Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Peter Criss have commented on the death of their fellow KISS co-founder Ace Frehley. The legendary guitarist died after sustaining injuries in a fall last month, his family confirmed Thursday (October 16).

In a statement, Stanley and Simmons said: “We are 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. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world.”

Simmons also wrote on X: “Our hearts are broken. Ace has passed on. No one can touch Ace‘s legacy. I know he loved the fans. He told me many times. Sadder still, Ace didn’t live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Ctr Honors event in Dec. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!”

In a separate statement, Criss wrote: “With a broken heart and deep, deep sadness, my brother Ace Frehley has passed away. He died peacefully with his family around him. My wife and I were with him to the end as well.

“I love you, my brother. My love and prayers go out to Jeanette, Monique, Charlie and Nancy and all of Ace‘s extended family, bandmates, fans and friends. May the Lord comfort you at this difficult time.

“As a founding member of the rock group KISS and in Ace‘s solo career, Ace influenced and touch the hearts of millions of people. His legacy will live on in the music industry and in the hearts of the KISS Army.

“At this time I ask all of you to please be respectful to Ace‘s family and allow them to grieve privately.

“To the KISS Army and Ace‘s Rock Soldiers, my heart is with you all… Broken… God Bless.”

Earlier this month, Frehley scrapped the remainder of his previously announced 2025 tour dates due to unspecified “medical issues”.

The legendary rocker announced the cancelation two weeks after he pulled out of the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster, California after sustaining minor injuries in a fall at his home.

The following statement was posted on Ace‘s social media: “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’.”