New Found Glory Guitarist Chad Gilbert Dead After Cancer Battle

Chad Gilbert, the founding guitarist and driving creative force behind New Found Glory, has died at 45. The pop-punk band announced that Gilbert died peacefully in his sleep on the morning of September 20, surrounded by loved ones. His wife, Lisa Cimorelli, and his mother, Jackie, were reportedly beside him during his final moments.

Gilbert’s death comes after a years-long battle with a rare form of adrenal cancer and emergency brain surgery earlier this year. However, an official cause of death was not disclosed in the announcement.

New Found Glory announced Gilbert’s death in an emotional Instagram statement signed by Cimorelli and his bandmates Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka, Cyrus Bolooki and Dan O’Connor. “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 began.

“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,” they added.

The statement emphasized that Gilbert considered his family more important than his extensive accomplishments as a musician. “He was a legendary musician, but his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father. His biggest dreams came true,” the announcement continued.

Gilbert is survived by Cimorelli, their daughter Lily, his mother, and his brother Brian. “Rest in peace, Chad. We love you forever,” the message read.

New Found Glory Honored His Lasting Influence

Gilbert helped establish New Found Glory in Coral Springs, Florida, in 1997 and remained a central part of the band for nearly three decades. Along with playing lead guitar, he contributed heavily to the band’s songwriting and helped shape the energetic pop-punk sound that earned the group a dedicated following.

“Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades,” the band wrote. “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 group added that Gilbert’s influence would remain inseparable from its future music and live performances. “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,” they said. “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.”

The Guitarist Underwent Emergency Brain Surgery

Gilbert had openly documented his cancer battle after initially revealing his diagnosis in 2021.

Doctors discovered a pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor that develops in the adrenal gland, after Gilbert was found unresponsive at home. The malignant mass was reportedly approximately eight inches long and required emergency surgery. The cancer later spread to his spine and lungs, leading to additional treatments and radiation.

His health took another frightening turn in February 2026 when he began experiencing weakness in his left hand and leg. Gilbert struggled to control his movements during a New Found Glory performance in Nashville and later began stumbling and falling.

A CT scan revealed three tumors in his brain. He underwent successful surgery on February 27, although he did not publicly disclose the procedure until March.

Gilbert regained function in his left hand immediately after surgery and continued updating fans about his recovery, according to Entertainment Weekly.

Chad Gilbert Later Received A More Serious Diagnosis

In April, Gilbert revealed that doctors had updated his diagnosis from metastatic pheochromocytoma to stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma, also known as ACC. The new diagnosis carried a more serious prognosis, but Gilbert remained focused on his family and his determination to continue making music.

Cimorelli told PEOPLE that the updated diagnosis was devastating because previous treatments had appeared to be working.

Gilbert nevertheless spoke gratefully about the life he had built with his wife and daughter. He continued working on music throughout his illness and set his sights on returning to the stage.

Chad Gilbert Helped Shape A Pop-Punk Generation

New Found Glory emerged during the late 1990s and became one of the most influential acts of the early 2000s pop-punk movement. Songs including “My Friends Over You,” “Hit or Miss” and “All Downhill from Here” became staples of the genre.