by Rock legend Ace Frehley’s cause of death remains under investigation. The Morris County Medical Examiner shared a statement with TMZ confirming that while no autopsy was performed on the former Kiss guitarist, authorities are conducting toxicology tests and an external examination to determine the official cause.
A representative for the medical examiner’s office provided details on the investigation’s current status and timeline.
The representative said no autopsy was conducted on Ace Frehley. However, the rock icon is undergoing a toxicology test and an external examination. Ace’s official cause of death will be determined in the coming weeks once the toxicology results are finalized.
The investigation follows the legendary guitarist’s passing on October 16, 2025, at age 74. Understanding the full circumstances surrounding his death requires examining the events that preceded it and the current investigative process underway.
Frehley died following complications from a brain bleed sustained in a fall at his recording studio in September, Parade reported. His family made the difficult decision to remove life support after his condition did not improve. He passed away shortly thereafter. The traumatic brain injury from this fall appears to have been the immediate catalyst for his hospitalization and subsequent death.
The Morris County Medical Examiner is conducting a toxicology screening as part of a routine procedure. The screening also addresses public interest, given Frehley’s well-documented history with substance abuse throughout his career. Vice noted that authorities are reviewing whether other factors—including potential substance involvement—may have contributed to the circumstances surrounding his death. No indication of foul play has been suspected by the family or authorities.
Frehley’s family described his passing as peaceful and surrounded by loved ones. They expressed deep sorrow in their public statement. Former KISS bandmates Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons also paid tribute to the guitarist, calling him an “essential and irreplaceable” part of the band’s legacy. iHeart Rock reported that the toxicology report is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. Once finalized, the medical examiner will issue a final determination of the official cause of death.
