KISS collaborator Karl Cochran, 61, killed in tragic car accident involving his mother

BRIDGEWATER, NEW JERSEY: Tragedy struck the rock world this week as Karl Cochran, the 61-year-old guitarist renowned for his collaborations with KISS and other classic rock legends, died in a fatal car accident on Wednesday, February 19. 

His mother, Arna Cochran, was reportedly driving the car. Fans and friends are devastated, with heartfelt tributes pouring in for the musician whose contributions left an indelible mark on the industry. 

Cochran, known for co-writing KISS' iconic track 'Into The Void' from their 1998 album 'Psycho Circus', also played in Ace Frehley’s solo band in the '90s and was a key member of The Eric Singer Project.

His tragic death comes just days after Voletta Wallace, the mother of legendary late rapper Christopher George Latore Wallace, died at the age of 72.

Karl Cochran dies in tragic car crash

According to a press release shared by the Bridgewater Police Department on Facebook, the department was informed by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick that Karl Cochran had succumbed to the injuries he sustained in a car crash.

This update follows the police's response to a report of a vehicle crashing into a tree on February 19 at 7.20 am, with the front-seat passenger (Karl Cochran) ejected. Authorities found that Cochran's mother, Arna, was operating a 2015 Subaru Legacy on private property when she backed "the vehicle across the front yard and struck a tree, ejecting her 61-year-old son, Karl". He was transported to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital with "life-threatening injuries".

The crash remains under investigation by the Bridgewater Township Police Department’s Traffic Safety Bureau and the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office.

The police have urged anyone with information to contact Officer Cole Taggert of the Bridgewater Police Traffic Safety Bureau at (908) 722-4111 ext. 4088 or the Bridgewater TIPS line at 877-660-INFO (4636), per People.

KISS band members pay touching tribute to 'guitarist extraordinaire' Karl Cochran

Following the news of Karl Cochran's death, his loved ones have paid heartfelt tributes, honoring his contributions to rock music. 

KISS shared a touching post on Instagram, stating, "Our dear friend Karl Cochran was killed in a car accident on Feb 19th." 

They remembered him as a "vocalist and guitarist extraordinaire" who, despite suffering a massive stroke, never stopped fighting to reclaim his music career.

They continued, "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."

Bruce Kulick, a member of KISS, also expressed his sorrow on X, writing, "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)." 

Kulick described Karl as "a gentle giant, taken too soon," adding that "stroke that affected him many years ago, took nothing away of his spirt, love and humanity".

He continued, "It made him even more special in his own unique way. As a frequent guest on the Kiss Kruise everyone that met him was touched with his smile and his special passion of life. My condolences to his family and his wonderful fiance Ger Fasano who was his loving partner. RIP 😭"

Joe Lynn Turner calls Karl Cochran 'unsung hero'

Joe Lynn Turner, former member of Rainbow and Deep Purple, who frequently collaborated with Karl Cochran, shared a heartfelt tribute to the late guitarist on Instagram. 

With deep sorrow, he began, “It is with a very heavy heart of infinite sadness and deep sorrow that I write this message…” He continued, “The passing of Karl Cochran is an unbelievable loss not only to me but to the music world in general. Karl was an extremely talented guitar player and writer. He collaborated with some of the biggest names in Rock."

Turner went on to reveal, “An unsung hero of amazing proportions, he was on his way for the recognition he deserved when he suffered a debilitating stroke which affected his right side mobility and verbal skills. Yet, he fought long and hard to improve these afflictions and became a skilled engineer and producer in his home studio.”

He described Cochran as a "fighter" who never gave up. He added, "He was an example of perseverance, positivity and determination for us all."

Turner also remembered how Karl blended technical mastery with soulful artistry in his music.

In a personal note to Cochran, Turner wrote, "For me personally I have lost a brother, friend and partner. Now there will always be a missing part of my heart. I shall always remember and celebrate with love for the time I was fortunate enough to share with his incredible character and boundless spirit. Karl..my Brother... May God hold you in his hands ..RIP."