Paul Daniel “Ace” Frehley, the lead guitarist and co-founder of the rock group KISS, died on October 16, 2025, his family confirmed. Frehley was 74. With no known health issues in recent years, fans of the “Rock and Roll All Nite” artist are wondering what his cause of death could have been.
Hours after TMZ reported that Freshley was on life support, his family announced that he died in a statement obtained by Variety. It read, “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!”
Below, learn what happened to Frehley and what we know about his untimely death.
Frehley never publicly announced any major health issues. However, he reportedly sustained a brain bleed in September 2025 and had to cancel his upcoming tour dates. He was hospitalized and placed on life support, per TMZ.
Unfortunately, Frehley’s brain bleed caused a decline in health during his last few weeks, and he died as a result. TMZ reported that he had been placed on life support for “some time,” and his family had contemplated taking him off life support.
