New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert, who was the ex-husband of Paramore singer Hayley Williams, has died at the age of 45 after a five-year battle with cancer. His wife, Lisa Cimorelli, and his bandmates Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka, Cyrus Bolooki and Dan O’Connor confirmed the news in a statement.
“On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep. He left this world surrounded by friends and family and took his final breaths with his wife and mother by his side, just as he wished,” the statement read.
“We are devastated and shocked by how quickly he left us, yet so grateful for how peacefully and smoothly he went. The amount of visitors that crowded the hospital lobby at a moment’s notice is a testament to how beloved and cherished Chad was, and always will be,” it continued.
The message also highlighted what mattered most to Gilbert personally, as well as the mark he left on his band and its music.
“He was a legendary musician, but his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father. His biggest dreams came true. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, his daughter, Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian,” the statement said.
“Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades. Through more than a dozen albums, endless tours around the world, and more accolades than we ever could have imagined, Chad challenged all of us to grow as musicians, performers, and human beings.”
The statement closed with a tribute to the bond shared within the band and a farewell to Gilbert.
“While we are devastated to lose him, we are so grateful for the incredible life he lived, the memories we shared, and the brotherhood we had. His influence will always be part of New Found Glory and his spirit will be felt on every stage we stand on, with every note we play. Rest in peace, Chad. We love you forever.”
Gilbert began treatment in 2021 for metastatic pheochromocytoma, a rare cancer of the adrenal gland. Earlier this year, he underwent emergency surgery after doctors found three tumors in his brain, and he later said his diagnosis had been revised to stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma.
Gilbert co-founded New Found Glory in 1997 and served as its lead guitarist and backing vocalist for nearly three decades. He was also involved with projects including Shai Hulud and Hazen Street.
