Chad Gilbert, founding member and lead guitarist of punk rock band New Found Glory, has died at the age of 45 following a years-long battle with a rare form of cancer.
Gilbert died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of September 20, according to an announcement from his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, and members of New Found Glory.
His death comes just months after the musician made an emotional return to the stage following surgery to remove three brain tumors.
Chad Gilbert Dies Surrounded by Family
New Found Glory announced Gilbert’s death in a statement shared on Instagram on Sunday.
The band said Gilbert spent his final moments surrounded by friends and family, with his wife and mother beside him.
“On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep,” the statement said.
Those closest to Gilbert said they were shocked by how rapidly his condition deteriorated but were thankful that his death was peaceful.
They also described a hospital lobby crowded with visitors who had rushed to be near the musician, saying the turnout demonstrated how deeply he was loved.
Family Says Being a Husband and Father Was His Greatest Achievement
Despite a career that made Gilbert an influential figure in punk rock, his family and bandmates said music was not what he regarded as his greatest accomplishment.
They described being a husband and father as the achievement that meant the most to him.
Gilbert is survived by his wife Lisa, daughter Lily, mother Jackie and brother Brian.
The announcement was credited to Cimorelli alongside New Found Glory members Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka and Cyrus Bolooki, as well as touring guitarist Dan O’Connor.
New Found Glory Pays Tribute to His Three-Decade Influence
Gilbert helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades through his guitar work, songwriting and creative influence.
His bandmates credited his humor and relentless determination with pushing the group forward throughout its career.
Across more than a dozen albums and extensive international touring, they said Gilbert continually challenged those around him to develop not only as musicians and performers but also as people.
While describing themselves as devastated by his death, the musicians said they remained grateful for the life they shared with Gilbert and the brotherhood they developed.
They added that his influence would remain embedded in New Found Glory’s music and would be felt whenever the band returned to the stage.
“Rest in peace, Chad. We love you forever,” the tribute concluded.
Gilbert Had Been Battling Rare Adrenal Cancer
Gilbert publicly revealed four years before his death that he had been diagnosed with pheochromocytoma, a rare cancer involving the adrenal gland.
His health battle became increasingly serious in 2026 as neurological symptoms emerged.
During a Nashville performance on February 20, Gilbert noticed that he was struggling to control movements in his left hand.
His condition worsened over the following days.
Three days after the concert, medical professionals rushed him to hospital after he began stumbling and falling.
Doctors Removed Three Brain Tumors
Gilbert subsequently underwent major surgery in March to remove three tumors from his brain.
The procedure forced him away from performing as he continued treatment and recovery.
Despite the severity of his illness, Gilbert eventually managed to return to New Found Glory just months later.
His comeback became an emotional moment for both the musician and the band’s supporters.
Emotional Stage Return Came Just Three Months Before His Death
Gilbert returned to the stage in Nashville in June, performing from a wheelchair during his first show following the brain surgery.
The guitarist struggled to contain his emotions as he addressed the audience.
During the performance, he publicly thanked the doctors and nurses who had treated him throughout his lengthy cancer battle.
“I want to thank all of the nurses and doctors who have kept me alive for the past four years,” Gilbert told the crowd.
The appearance demonstrated his determination to continue performing despite the physical impact of his illness.
It would become one of his final major public moments before his death three months later.
Bandmates Remember Gilbert’s Drive and Creativity
For New Found Glory, Gilbert’s death marks the loss of one of the musicians who helped establish the band’s sound and identity.
Alongside his distinctive guitar playing, his bandmates highlighted his songwriting, humor and determination as qualities that influenced the group throughout its career.
The band said the experiences they shared through albums, tours and professional achievements had created a lasting bond.
His colleagues said that although they now face the reality of continuing without him, Gilbert’s musical influence will remain part of New Found Glory.
Punk Rock Community Mourns Influential Guitarist
Gilbert’s death brings to an end a career spanning decades of recording and touring with one of the prominent bands associated with modern pop-punk and punk rock.
His final years were marked by an increasingly difficult cancer battle, multiple hospital treatments and brain surgery, yet he continued working toward returning to music.
That determination culminated in his emotional June comeback, when he once again performed alongside the band he helped build.
Three months later, his wife and bandmates announced that the 45-year-old musician had died peacefully with those closest to him at his side.
For New Found Glory, the tribute made clear that Gilbert will be remembered not only for the music he created, but for the husband, father, friend and bandmate he was away from the stage.
