Ace Frehley, KISS guitarist and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, dies at 74

KISS guitarist, Ace Frehley, dies at 74 after fall

Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist for KISS, has died after suffering a fall last month. Frehley died surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey. He was 74 years old. LiveNOW?s Mike Pache has the latest updates and messages from those who knew Frehley during his life.

Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist for KISS, has died after suffering a fall last month.

Frehley died peacefully surrounded by family in Morristown, New Jersey. He was 74 years old. 

FILE - Recording artist Ace Frehley performs at Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas at The LINQ Promenade on March 6, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

What they're saying:

Family members said in a statement that they are "completely devastated and heartbroken" but will cherish his laughter and celebrate the kindness he bestowed upon others.

The backstory:

Frehley previously suffered a brain bleed after falling in his studio in September and, as a result, had to cancel the rest of his tour. 

The rock-and-roller was placed on a ventilator and had not shown signs of improvement, according to a TMZ report. 

Ace Frehley catches up with FOX 5 New York in 2014

FOX 5 NY's Steve Lacy sat down with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley in 2014. The music legend died at age 74. (Credit WNYW)

Frehley was a founding member of KISS and remained as the lead guitarist until he left the group in 1982. 

He pursued a solo career and founded another band: Frehley's Comet. 

In 1996, Frehley rejoined KISS for its reunion tour and stayed until 2002. 

Frehley’s is the first death among the four founding members, a group that also includes singer-guitarist Paul Stanley, bassist Gene Simmons and drummer Peter Criss.