Chad Gilbert, the founding lead guitarist, principal songwriter, and driving creative force behind the seminal American pop-punk band New Found Glory, has passed away at the age of 45. Gilbert died peacefully in his sleep on September 20, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones, following a courageous, multi-year battle with rare and aggressive cancer.
His passing was confirmed in a joint statement released by his wife, singer Lisa Cimorelli, and his New Found Glory bandmates. For nearly three decades, Gilbert stood at the vanguard of the modern rock movement, crafting melodic, high-energy anthems like “My Friends Over You” and “All Downhill From Here” that defined a generation. Beyond his musical brilliance, Gilbert inspired millions through his relentless resilience, performing through rigorous surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy to spend every possible moment with his family.
Quick Facts: Chad Gilbert (1981–2026)
| Detail | Verified Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Chad Everett Gilbert |
| Date of Birth | March 9, 1981 |
| Date of Passing | September 20, 2026 (Aged 45) |
| Birthplace | Coral Springs, Florida, United States |
| Cause of Death | Complications from metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma / neuroendocrine cancer |
| Band Affiliations | New Found Glory (Lead Guitarist & Songwriter), Shai Hulud (Former Vocalist), What’s Eating Gilbert |
| Key Albums | Nothing Gold Can Stay, New Found Glory, Sticks and Stones, Catalyst |
| Spouse | Lisa Cimorelli (married October 2020) |
| Children | 1 daughter (Lily Gilbert, born July 2021) |
A Peaceful Passing Surrounded by Family
According to announcements verified by Variety and NBC News, Gilbert passed away in Nashville, Tennessee, on Sunday, September 20, 2026. His wife, Lisa Cimorelli, and his mother were at his bedside holding his hands when he passed peacefully in his sleep.
In their heartfelt collective tribute, New Found Glory wrote: “Chad was the heartbeat of this band. His passion, unmatched work ethic, infectious humor, and ferocious love for music changed the lives of everyone who heard our songs. But above all his accomplishments on stage, his greatest pride was being a devoted father to Lily and a loving husband to Lisa.”
The Courageous Five-Year Health Battle
Gilbert’s health battle began unexpectedly in December 2021, when his wife discovered him unresponsive at home. Emergency medical personnel rushed him to the hospital, where doctors discovered an 8-inch cancerous pheochromocytoma—a rare neuroendocrine tumor originating in his adrenal gland. Surgeons successfully resected the mass, and he was briefly declared cancer-free in early 2022.
However, the cancer aggressively resurfaced later that year, spreading to his spine and lungs. Throughout 2023 and 2024, Gilbert underwent multiple complex spinal surgeries, radiation therapy, and specialized immunotherapy trials, chronicling his journey with vulnerability to encourage other patients facing serious diagnoses.
In an emotional April 2026 profile published by People Magazine, Gilbert revealed that his diagnosis had been updated to Stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma after doctors identified metastatic lesions, including three brain tumors that required urgent neurosurgery. Despite physical paralysis and severe motor weakness in his leg and hand, Gilbert refused to let illness dim his spirit.
The Final Concert: Performing on a Mobility Scooter
One of the most unforgettable moments of Gilbert’s final year occurred in June 2026 during a hometown New Found Glory performance in Nashville. Having undergone major brain and spinal operations only weeks prior, Gilbert insisted on joining his bandmates on stage, performing his guitar parts from a motorized mobility scooter.
The performance held immense personal significance: it was the first time his five-year-old daughter, Lily, watched her father perform in front of an arena of roaring fans. The poignant image of Gilbert rocking on stage while flashing his trademark grin became an enduring symbol of his unbreakable dedication to his craft and family.
Musical Legacy: Pioneering the Pop-Punk Movement
Born in Coral Springs, Florida, Gilbert entered the vibrant South Florida underground hardcore scene in his mid-teens, initially serving as the vocalist for the influential hardcore band Shai Hulud. In 1997, at just 16 years old, he joined Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka, Steve Klein, and later Cyrus Bolooki to form A New Found Glory.
The band quickly emerged as a driving force of the third-wave pop-punk explosion:
- Nothing Gold Can Stay (1999): Their scrappy indie debut spawned the hit “Hit or Miss,” catching the attention of major label Drive-Thru Records.
- New Found Glory (2000): Their self-titled breakout achieved RIAA Gold status and established their signature dual-guitar crunch and catchy vocal melodies.
- Sticks and Stones (2002): Reaching the Billboard Top 5 and earning Platinum certification, the record yielded the genre-defining crossover smash “My Friends Over You,” which remains an enduring pop-punk anthem.
- Catalyst (2004): Debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, featuring the hit single “All Downhill From Here.”
Beyond New Found Glory, Gilbert was an accomplished record producer. He produced breakthrough records for metalcore and pop-punk titans, including A Day to Remember’s acclaimed albums Homesick and What Separates Me from You, as well as works for H2O and Terror.
Personal Life and Survivors
Gilbert was previously married to Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams from 2016 until their amicable separation and divorce in 2017. In October 2020, Gilbert married singer-songwriter Lisa Cimorelli of the popular family vocal group Cimorelli. The couple welcomed their daughter, Lily Gilbert, in July 2021.
Throughout his treatment, Gilbert credited his wife and daughter as his saving grace, often posting touching updates about bedtime stories, family park visits, and the deep joy fatherhood brought to his life. Gilbert is survived by his wife Lisa, his daughter Lily, his mother, his brother, and a worldwide community of bandmates and devoted fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Chad Gilbert die?
Chad Gilbert died on September 20, 2026, at the age of 45, passing away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family.
What was Chad Gilbert’s cause of death?
Gilbert passed away from complications of metastatic Stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma (adrenal cancer), which had spread to his spine, lungs, and brain following a five-year battle.
Who was Chad Gilbert married to?
Chad Gilbert was married to musician Lisa Cimorelli, whom he wed in October 2020. He was previously married to Paramore vocalist Hayley Williams from 2016 to 2017.
Did Chad Gilbert have children?
Yes. Chad Gilbert is survived by his daughter, Lily Gilbert, born in July 2021.
What were Chad Gilbert’s most famous songs?
As the primary songwriter and guitarist of New Found Glory, Gilbert co-wrote iconic rock anthems including “My Friends Over You,” “All Downhill From Here,” “Hit or Miss,” and “Dressed to Kill.”
Summary
Chad Gilbert was more than a gifted guitarist and songwriter; he was an architectural pillar of modern American rock and an emblem of courage in the face of profound adversity. His infectious melodies, unyielding optimism, and devotion to his family leave an indelible legacy that will resonate through concert halls and headphones for generations to come.