Gene Simmons Blames Frehley's Death on Past Addictions

Gene Simmons, co-founder and bassist of the rock band KISS, has publicly attributed the recent death of former bandmate Ace Frehley to a pattern of poor choices, including past struggles with substance abuse, despite the official ruling of an accidental fall. Frehley, the band's original guitarist, died on October 16 at age 74 in his home studio in Morristown, New Jersey.

The Morris County Medical Examiner's report determined that Frehley succumbed to blunt trauma injuries to the head following a fall down stairs. The examination revealed multiple contusions, bone fractures, brain hemorrhages, and bruising across his body, along with a stroke that occurred during the incident. Officials classified the death as accidental, with a separate toxicology report on Frehley's blood still pending.

In an interview with the New York Post, Simmons, 76, suggested that Frehley's history of addiction played a role in the fatal accident. "He refused advice from people that cared about him, including yours truly, to try to change his lifestyle. In and out of bad decisions," Simmons said. He added, "Falling down the stairs, I'm not a doctor, doesn't kill you. There may have been other issues, and...