KISS-Linked Guitarist Karl Cochran Killed in Tragic Accident
Guitarist and songwriter Karl Cochran, age 61, died Wednesday following a car crash in New Jersey, leaving the rock music community in shock.
“Karl was a vocalist and guitarist extraordinaire who suffered a massive stroke but never stopped fighting to make his way back,” legendary band KISS posted on its X account.
“He was loved by our fans worldwide through his appearances worldwide and was a constant inspiration as our guest on our KISS Kruises. Our deep condolences to Geri and family.”
Gut wrenching
Fellow musicians have expressed their grief on social media, writes PennLive. Former KISS guitarist Bruce Kulick shared: “The tragic news of Karl Cochran’s death in a car accident was gut wrenching to hear. Karl was a fantastic musician who I worked with in a band called ESP (Eric Singer Project).”
“He was a gentle giant who was taken too soon from all of us. The stroke that affected him many years ago too nothing away of his spirit, love and humanity. It made him even more special in his own unique way.”
Guitarist Tony Franklin wrote: “Saddened to hear about the passing of Karl Cochran. A sweet soul and talented guitarist. We spent some nice time together in the short-lived project Rated X with Joe Lynn Turner and Carmine Appice. Rest peacefully Karl.”
Thrown from the car
The talented musician died early Wednesday morning (February 19th) when a car driven by his 90-year-old mother backed across their front yard in New Jersey and hit a tree. Cochran was thrown from the car and later died at Robert Wood Johnson University hospital.
Cochran had a long career working with rock stars like KISS guitarist Ace Frehley, co-writing Into The Void for the album Psycho Circus, and playing with The Eric Singer Project.
