KISS rocker Gene Simmons’ medical episode behind the wheel highlights the dangerous reality of aging celebrities operating vehicles while managing complex medication regimens.
Story Highlights
- Gene Simmons, 76, passed out while driving on Pacific Coast Highway, crashing his SUV across multiple lanes
- Recent medication changes and dehydration contributed to the loss of consciousness during daylight hours
- The rock legend was hospitalized but released the same day, downplaying the incident as a “slight fender bender”
- This marks another health scare for KISS members, with Ace Frehley also canceling tour dates for medical reasons
Medical Episode Creates Highway Hazard
Gene Simmons lost consciousness while driving his SUV on the busy Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu on October 7, 2025, just before 1 p.m. The 76-year-old KISS co-founder’s vehicle veered across multiple lanes before colliding with a parked car. Witnesses immediately called 911 as the dangerous scene unfolded on the heavily trafficked coastal route. This incident demonstrates the serious public safety risks when drivers experience medical emergencies while operating vehicles on major highways.
Watch: KISS Rocker Gene Simmons Hospitalized After Malibu Car Crash
Medication Changes Blamed for Fainting Spell
Shannon Tweed, Simmons’ wife, attributed the crash to recent changes in her husband’s medication regimen and possible dehydration. She revealed that doctors had recently altered his medications, which may have contributed to the loss of consciousness. Medical professionals had also advised Simmons to increase his water intake, suggesting he wasn’t maintaining proper hydration levels. This raises concerns about proper medical supervision for elderly patients when medication adjustments are made, particularly for those with existing health conditions.
Pattern of Health Issues Among Band Members
The incident occurred just days after former KISS guitarist Ace Frehley canceled tour dates due to unspecified medical issues, revealing a troubling pattern of health problems among the band’s aging members. Simmons has previously acknowledged living with a heart condition, though he keeps specific medical details private. These back-to-back health scares highlight the physical toll decades of rock stardom have taken on these performers. The timing is particularly concerning given KISS’s scheduled Las Vegas reunion performance in November 2025.
Celebrity Downplays Serious Safety Incident
Despite crossing multiple highway lanes while unconscious and requiring hospitalization, Simmons quickly took to social media to reassure fans he was “completely fine” and dismissed the crash as merely a “slight fender bender.” This minimization of a potentially deadly incident reflects a common tendency among celebrities to downplay health issues that could affect their public image and career prospects. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department continues investigating the crash, though no signs of impairment were reported and no other injuries occurred.
This incident underscores broader concerns about aging drivers, medication management, and the need for regular medical evaluations for those on prescription drugs. While Simmons appears to be recovering well, the episode serves as a wake-up call about the responsibilities that come with driving while managing complex health conditions.
Sources:
KISS’ Gene Simmons Hospitalized After Crashing His Car
Gene Simmons Accident Update
Gene Simmons KISS Hospitalized SUV Crash
KISS Legend Gene Simmons Car Crash Accident Hospital
