Ace Frehley, known as the original guitarist for the legendary rock band KISS, has passed away at the age of 74.

According to TMZ, Frehley experienced a brain bleed resulting from a fall in his studio a few weeks prior. Reports on Thursday indicated that he had been on a ventilator for an extended period, with his family contemplating the difficult decision of discontinuing life support.

In a heartfelt statement shared with Deadline, his family expressed their grief: “We are utterly devastated and heartbroken. In his final moments, we were blessed to surround him with love, care, and peaceful thoughts as he departed this world. We hold dear all his best memories, his laughter, and celebrate the kindness and strength he shared with others. The loss is immeasurable and beyond words. As we reflect on his remarkable life and accomplishments, Ace’s legacy will undoubtedly endure forever!”

Frehley had been hospitalized following what was described as a “minor” fall at the end of September. Despite his reluctance, his doctor advised him against traveling, as mentioned in a social media post dated September 25.

It prompted him to cancel his performance set for the following day at the Antelope Valley Fair in Lancaster, California.

A week later, he canceled his remaining 2025 tour dates citing “ongoing medical issues.” He was set to perform in Illinois, Missouri, Mississippi and Ohio with “more tour dates always being announced.” 

Frehley was the lead guitarist and co-founder of the rock, glam metal band KISS, which stopped touring as a group in 2023. 

The band broke into the limelight after releasing four albums, “Kiss,” “Hotter Than Hell,” “Dressed to Kill,” and live album “Alive!” between 1974 and 1975. 

They gained a large following and released hits like “Rock And Roll All Nite,” “I Was Made For Lovin’ You” and “Detroit Rock City” among many others across dozens of albums. 

Frehley was part of KISS from 1973 to 1982 before splitting off after becoming unhappy with the group’s change of sound from the 70s into the 80s. He was also interested in pursuing solo work after the successful released of his first solo album “Ace Frehley,” according to Guitar Player.

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, named in the top 15 “Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time” by Guitar World, and included in their “Top 50 Greatest Guitar Solos of All Time” list with his work on “Shock Me,” according to his website. 

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump announced that Kiss had been named one of this year’s recipients for the Kennedy Center Honors. Frehley previously endorsed Trump in 2020, calling him “the strongest leader we’ve got.”

Frehley’s social media posts say he was working on his next album “Origins Vol. 4.”