Ace Frehley, co-founder and original lead guitarist for the legendary rockers KISS, has died at 74, his family confirmed Thursday.

Frehley, known as Space Ace, was hospitalized last month after falling in his home studio and suffering a brain hemorrhage. His prognosis was not good, and he had been on life support for some time, according to reports.

Frehley's family issued a statement confirming the heartbreaking news:

“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!”

Earlier this month, Frehley's team announced that he was cancelling the rest of his 2025 tour dates due to "ongoing medical issues."

Born Paul Daniel Frehley on April 27, 1951, the Bronx musician grew up in a house filled with the sounds of music, propelling the youngster to teach himself how to play guitar after receiving the instrument as a Christmas present in 1964.

He auditioned for a band that eventually became KISS in 1973, and the rest is history. Frehley designed the iconic KISS logo shortly thereafter.

Nicknamed "Space Ace," Frehley helped lead KISS to international stardom, with the group selling more than 100 million records and plenty of Top 40 hits. He went on to have a very successful solo career, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an original member of KISS in 2014.

In a statement, Frehley's bandmates Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley said:

"We are devastated by the passing of Ace Frehley. He was an essential and irreplaceable rock soldier during some of the most formative foundational chapters of the band and its history. He is and will always be a part of KISS's legacy. Our thoughts are with Jeanette, Monique and all those who loved him, including our fans around the world."

Simmons followed up on his personal social media:

"Our hearts are broken. Ace has passed on. No one can touch Ace's legacy. I know he loved the fans. He told me many times. Sadder still, Ace didn't live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Ctr Honors event in Dec. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!"

Our hearts are broken. Ace has passed on. No one can touch Ace’s legacy. I know he loved the fans. He told me many times. Sadder still, Ace didn’t live long enough to be honored at the Kennedy Ctr Honors event in Dec. Ace was the eternal rock soldier. Long may his legacy live on!

— Gene Simmons (@genesimmons) October 16, 2025

Separately, Peter Criss wrote:

"With a broken heart and deep, deep sadness, my brother Ace Frehley has passed away. He died peacefully with his family around him. My wife and I were with him to the end as well. I love you my brother. My love and prayers go out to Jeanette, Monique, Charlie and Nancy and all of Ace's extended family, bandmates, fans and friends. May the Lord comfort you at this difficult time. As a founding member of the rock group KISS and in Ace's solo career, Ace influenced and touch the hearts of millions of people. His legacy will live on in the music industry and in the hearts of the KISS Army. At this time I ask all of you to please be respectful to Ace's family and allow them to grieve privately. To the KISS Army and Ace's Rock Soldiers, my heart is with you all... Broken..."