Kiss Employee Karl Kokran Passes Away in Car Accident at Age 61

Karl Kokran’s Tragic Passing

Karl Kokran, a guitarist known for his collaborations with KISS and other classic rock legends, tragically passed away in a car accident at 61.

The news was reported by MyCentraljersey, which noted that Kokran was a passenger in a car driven by his 90-year-old mother Arna in Bridgewater, New Jersey, on Wednesday (February 19). Their Subaru crashed into a tree in the front yard, resulting in Kokran being ejected from the vehicle. He was airlifted to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Musical Legacy and Collaborations

Kokran had a deep connection with KISS, co-writing the song “Into The Void,” featured on their 1998 album “Psycho Circus.” He was also a member of Ace Frehley’s solo band in the 90s and contributed to a project by Eric Singer, the drummer of KISS.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DLE3AQ6DLI

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Fasting Kiss (@kissonline)

On Thursday, the group honored Kokran on Instagram, stating: “Our dear friend Karl Kokran was taken from us in a car accident on February 19. Karl was a remarkable guitarist and vocalist who managed to overcome significant challenges, yet never stopped fighting to return. Our fans loved him worldwide thanks to his appearances and he was a constant source of inspiration during our KISS Kruises. Our deepest condolences go out to Jerry and his family.”

Kokran also frequently collaborated with Joe Lynn Turner, a former member of Rainbow and Deep Purple. Turner shared his own tribute, labeling Kokran’s passing as “an immense loss not only to me, but to the music world as a whole.”

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The post shared by Joe Lynn Turner

“On a personal level, I’ve lost a brother, a friend, and a partner,” he remarked. “There will always be a part of my heart missing. I will forever remember and celebrate the incredible moments I was fortunate to share with his vibrant character and limitless spirit.”

Kokran had also suffered a stroke in 2014, leading him to step back from live performances. However, he continued his passion for music as a producer, engineer, and educator.