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Simmons: Substance Abuse Led to Frehley's Tragic Fall
7 Dec
Summary
- Gene Simmons suggests substance abuse contributed to Ace Frehley's fatal fall.
- Frehley's death was ruled an accident due to blunt-trauma injuries.
- Simmons expressed heartbreak over Frehley's inability to see KISS honored.

Gene Simmons, co-lead singer and bassist of KISS, has spoken about the circumstances surrounding the death of former bandmate Ace Frehley. Simmons suggested in a recent interview that a series of "bad decisions," potentially involving substance abuse, contributed to Frehley's fatal fall down the stairs in his New Jersey home studio. The Morris County Medical Examiner confirmed Frehley, 74, died from blunt-trauma injuries to the head, with the manner of death ruled an accident.
Simmons expressed deep sorrow over Frehley's passing, lamenting that the guitarist "couldn't stay alive long enough" to witness KISS being honored at the Kennedy Center. He recalled attending Frehley's open-casket funeral with fellow founding members Peter Criss and Paul Stanley, describing the event as "heartbreaking." Simmons also reflected on past regrets, wishing he and other band members had been more effective in helping Frehley and Criss "have better lives."




