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Following the tragic passing of KISS icon Ace Frehley, the Morris County Medical Examiner is conducting a toxicology screening and external body examination to determine the cause of death, with the results expected in the coming weeks, according to TMZ.
Frehley, aged 74, suffered a brain bleed following a fall in the studio, which led to his hospitalization and subsequent placement on life support. His family made the difficult decision to remove him from the ventilator. In a heartfelt statement, they expressed their devastation and honored his memory, saying, "We cherish all of his finest memories, his laughter, and celebrate his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others."
Ace Frehley was a founding member of KISS, joining forces with Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, and Peter Criss in 1973. He was known for his powerful guitar riffs and stage presence, earning him the nickname "The Spaceman." Frehley left KISS in 1982 due to creative differences and substance abuse issues, but briefly reunited with the band in 1996.
The rock world has been paying tribute to Frehley's legacy. KISS released a joint statement saying, "He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history."
Frehley's contributions to music will be further recognized posthumously when he receives a Kennedy Center Honor on December 7th.