Who was Ace Frehley? KISS' founding guitarist dies at 74 after reported brain bleed

Ace Frehley (Courtesy: People.com)

Ace Frehley, best known as the original lead guitarist for rock band KISS, passed away on Thursday at the age of 74 in Morristown, New Jersey. Reports say that he had been on life support for several weeks before his death.

The musician’s family confirmed the news in a statement shared with Rolling Stone, saying, “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!”

Frehley, who co-founded KISS alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss, had reportedly suffered a serious health emergency weeks earlier. Although the official cause of death has not been disclosed yet, the guitarist was hospitalised after a fall in his studio led to a brain bleed. It was reported that his condition ad forced him to cancel his tour dates and failed to improve while on life support, and his family had been considering difficult medical decisions, according to TMZ.

A brain bleed, also called an intracranial hemorrhage, occurs when blood accumulates between the skull and brain. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this type of stroke restricts oxygen to the brain and becomes life-threatening without urgent treatment. Such hemorrhages are often caused by head injuries or severe falls, and their impact depends on the severity, size and timing of treatment.

Known to fans as “The Spaceman,” Frehley was a member of KISS from 1973 until 1982. He later formed his own band Frehley’s Comet, which was active between 1984 and 1988. His guitar work and stage persona helped define KISS hits such as Rock and Roll All Nite and Detroit Rock City, leaving an unmistakable mark on rock history.