Chad Gilbert, the founding guitarist and songwriter of New Found Glory, has died at the age of 45. His wife, Lisa Cimorelli, and his bandmates confirmed his death on September 20, 2026.
According to the joint statement, Gilbert died peacefully in his sleep while surrounded by family and friends. His wife and mother were with him during his final moments.
The musician had been living with cancer since 2021. His health journey included multiple treatments and, earlier in 2026, emergency brain surgery after doctors discovered three tumours.
Chad Gilbert Dies at 45 Following Years of Cancer Treatment
Gilbert’s cancer diagnosis began in 2021, when he was diagnosed with metastatic pheochromocytoma, a rare cancer associated with the adrenal glands.
His condition required ongoing treatment. In early 2026, he experienced new neurological symptoms, including problems with his left hand and leg.
After being taken to the hospital, doctors discovered three tumours in his brain. Gilbert subsequently underwent emergency brain surgery and later shared an update about the procedure with fans.
Later, Gilbert’s diagnosis was reported as stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma. Despite the serious health challenges, he continued to remain connected to his music and fans.
New Found Glory Guitarist Returned to the Stage
One of the most notable moments in Gilbert’s final months came when he returned to performing.
In June 2026, he joined New Found Glory onstage in Nashville for his first performance since his brain surgery. He performed on a motorised scooter during the appearance.
Gilbert described the return as an emotional experience. He also highlighted the significance of performing in front of his daughter, Lily.
The appearance came just months after his emergency surgery and showed that music remained an important part of his life despite his ongoing treatment.
New Found Glory Remembers Chad Gilbert
Gilbert helped form New Found Glory in Florida in 1997 and became one of the central figures in the band’s development.
Over nearly three decades, he contributed as a guitarist, songwriter and backing vocalist. New Found Glory became an important name in the American pop-punk scene, particularly during the genre’s rise in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The band has released more than a dozen albums throughout its career. Its catalogue includes well-known songs such as “My Friends Over You” and albums including Sticks and Stones and Catalyst.
Following his death, New Found Glory’s surviving members remembered Gilbert’s guitar playing, songwriting, humour and determination as major parts of the band’s story.
They also emphasised the personal side of his life, describing his role as a husband and father as especially meaningful.
Chad Gilbert’s Family Life
Gilbert was married to musician Lisa Cimorelli, and the couple shared a daughter, Lily.
His family statement emphasised that although Gilbert was widely known for his music career, he valued his role as a husband and father above his professional achievements.
Gilbert is survived by his wife, daughter, mother and brother, according to the statement released by his family and bandmates.
Before his marriage to Cimorelli, Gilbert had relationships with other musicians. He was previously married to Eisley singer Sherri DuPree and later to Paramore singer Hayley Williams.
Chad Gilbert’s Musical Legacy
Gilbert’s influence extended beyond his work with New Found Glory.
He was also involved with other musical projects, including Shai Hulud and International Superheroes of Hardcore. In addition, he worked as a producer for several punk and alternative artists.
His production credits included albums associated with bands such as A Day to Remember and H2O, further expanding his influence within the punk and alternative music communities.
For New Found Glory, however, his most lasting connection was the band he helped build from its earliest years.
Gilbert’s death marks the loss of a musician whose career was closely tied to the development and popularity of American pop-punk over several decades.
What Was Chad Gilbert’s Cause of Death?
Gilbert’s family and New Found Glory confirmed that he died on September 20, 2026, after years of serious illness. The announcement described his death as peaceful and said he was surrounded by loved ones.
He had been battling cancer since 2021 and had undergone extensive treatment, including brain surgery earlier in 2026.
Reports have described his later diagnosis as stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma. However, the family’s announcement focused on his peaceful passing and his life rather than providing a detailed medical account of his final hours.
Chad Gilbert Remembered by Fans and the Punk Rock Community
News of Gilbert’s death has prompted tributes across the music world.
For long-time New Found Glory fans, his death represents the passing of a key figure from the pop-punk era. His work with the band helped produce music that remained influential among punk and alternative audiences for decades.
His legacy also extends beyond records and performances. Gilbert continued creating music, producing other artists and performing even while dealing with serious health challenges.
He was 45.