KISS Founder Ace Frehley Dies at 74

Ace Frehley, the founding guitarist of KISS, died on October 16 at age 74 after suffering a brain bleed following a fall in his studio and being taken off life support. The Morris County Medical Examiner said no autopsy was performed but a toxicology screening and external examination are underway and an official cause of death will be finalized after test results. His family said they were "devastated and heartbroken" and described being with him in his final moments. Former KISS bandmates Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons released a joint tribute calling Frehley "essential and irreplaceable," and drummer Peter Criss posted a personal, heartfelt message. Frehley had a long, influential career with KISS, including periods of departure and reunion, and is survived by close family, leaving a lasting legacy in rock music.