KISS co-founder Gene Simmons has publicly suggested that the death of his former bandmate Ace Frehley was the result of "bad decisions," breaking his silence on the guitarist's tragic passing.
The Tragic Incident and Official Findings
The legendary guitarist and original KISS member, Ace Frehley, died in October at the age of 74. The incident occurred at his home in Morristown, New Jersey, where he collapsed, fell down a flight of stairs, and hit his head. This impact caused a catastrophic brain bleed.
An official report released in November classified his death as accidental. The findings detailed that Frehley sustained a skull fracture at the back of his head, along with a subdural hematoma – a serious condition where blood collects between the brain and its outer layer – and a stroke. He passed away just days after the fall on October 16, 2025.
Simmons's Heartfelt and Blunt Assessment
In a new, emotional interview with the New York Post, 76-year-old Gene Simmons claimed that underlying "other issues" may have been a factor in his friend's demise. "He refused [advice] from people that cared about him – including yours truly – to try to change his lifestyle. In and out of bad decisions," the rock veteran stated.
"Falling down the stairs – I’m not a doctor – doesn’t kill you. There may have been other issues, and it breaks my heart," Simmons continued. "The saddest thing – you reap what you shall sow, unfortunately."
Simmons also reflected on the sorrow of Frehley's funeral, which he attended with fellow founding members Paul Stanley and Peter Criss. "It breaks my heart... open casket. It was just heartbreaking," he shared. He expressed particular sadness that Frehley did not live to see KISS honoured at the upcoming Kennedy Centre Honors event in December.
Tributes and a Lasting Legacy
Following his death, Frehley's family released a moving statement, saying they were able to surround him with love and peace in his final moments. They celebrated his life, laughter, and kindness, stating "the magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions."
Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley issued a joint statement, calling Frehley an "essential and irreplaceable rock soldier" in KISS's formative history. On his social media, Simmons added a personal tribute: "I know he loved the fans... Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!"
The music world continues to mourn the loss of the Spaceman, whose iconic guitar work and persona helped define one of rock's most spectacular bands.
