Chad Gilbert dies: New Found Glory's founding guitarist was 45

Chad Gilbert, founding guitarist and backing vocalist of pop-punk band New Found Glory, has died at 45 after a prolonged battle with cancer. 

His death was announced Sunday, September 20, in a joint statement from the band and his wife, Lisa Cimorelli. 

"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. 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. He was a legendary musician, but his favourite accomplishment was being a husband and father. His biggest dreams came true."

Gilbert had been open with fans about his health struggles for years. 

He was first diagnosed with metastatic pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal gland cancer, in 2021, which later progressed to stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma. 

In late March, he underwent emergency brain surgery after doctors discovered three tumours pressing against his brain, a procedure prompted by his loss of movement control in his left hand during a Nashville show earlier that year. 

He continued to speak candidly about the toll of his illness, telling Rolling Stone in April, "It felt good to know that there's still a battle to be going on and that I can recover from this and grow stronger from this," while also acknowledging the emotional weight. 

"I have my crying moments where, like everyone, I have to let it out."

Earlier this year, his bandmates paid tribute to his fight during a set at the 2026 Vans Warped Tour, telling the crowd, "Give it up for Chad!"

Gilbert co-founded New Found Glory in 1997 alongside Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka and Stephen Klein, and played on every album in the band's catalog, from their 1999 debut Nothing Gold Can Stay through this year's Listen Up! 

He helped drive the band's mainstream breakthrough with 2002's Sticks and Stones and 2004's Catalyst, both of which cracked the top 10 on the Billboard 200. 

Beyond New Found Glory, he also played in Shai Hulud and the band's side project International Superheroes of Hardcore.