An investigation into the loss of life of KISS guitarist Ace Frehley has been launched.

The veteran musician died in Morristown, New Jersey on October 16 on the age of 74. An announcement shared by Frehley’s household confirmed the guitarist – often known as Spaceman – died “peacefully surrounded by household” following “a current fall at his residence”.

Medical experts in New Jersey confirmed they’d be opening an investigation into the loss of life. Frehley’s explanation for loss of life shall be finalised within the subsequent few weeks pending a toxicology report, in line with a Morris County Medical Examiner who spoke to TMZ.

The medical expert added that, whereas no post-mortem was carried out, exterior examinations and a toxicology report are presently being carried out.

An announcement from Frehley’s household, launched on the time of his loss of life, reads: “We’re fully devastated and heartbroken. In his final moments, we have been lucky sufficient to have been in a position to encompass him with loving, caring, peaceable phrases, ideas, prayers and intentions as he left this earth.

“We cherish all of his best recollections, his laughter, and have fun his strengths and kindness that he bestowed upon others. The magnitude of his passing is of epic proportions, and past comprehension. Reflecting on all of his unimaginable life achievements, Ace’s reminiscence will proceed to stay on eternally!”

Tributes have been additionally made in an official assertion from Kiss. A publish to the band’s social media hailed Frehley as a vital a part of the group’s historical past.

Kiss’s tribute learn: “We’re devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was a necessary and irreplaceable rock soldier throughout a number of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its historical past.

“He’s and can at all times be part of Kiss’s legacy. Our ideas are with Jeanette, Monique and all those that liked him, together with our followers world wide.”

Frehley would discovered Kiss in 1973 alongside singer Paul Stanley, bassist Gene Simmons and drummer Peter Criss. He left the band a decade later to pursue a solo profession however rejoined the group in 1996. Frehley would depart once more in 2002, and didn’t rejoin the band for his or her 2022 farewell tour.

Additional tributes have been made by Rage Towards the Machine guitarist Tom Morello and progressive steel band Opeth. Ex-Kiss member Bruce Kulick additionally hailed Frehley as an “iconic guitar participant” who had an “simple position within the creation and success of Kiss”.

The legendary guitarist, who as soon as mentioned he was an “anomaly ” of a musician [via The Guardian], would assist Kiss write hits like I Was Made for Lovin’ You, Detroit Rock Metropolis, and Love Gun. Frehley would additionally obtain success as a solo artist. He launched his closing album, 10,000 Volts, in 2024. It peaked at 72 on the US Billboard 200 chart.