New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert has passed away at the age of 45 following a five-year battle with cancer, as confirmed in a statement shared on Instagram. The statement was signed by his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, and his bandmates Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka, Cyrus Bolooki, and Dan O’Connor.
The joint statement detailed his final moments and expressed the deep grief felt by his family and bandmates.
“On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep,” the statement read. “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.”
The family and band also highlighted his personal life and his role as a father and husband.
“He was a legendary musician, but his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father,” they continued. “His biggest dreams came true. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, his daughter, Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian.”
The statement went on to reflect on Gilbert’s legacy and his profound impact on the band over nearly three decades.
“Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades,” they added. “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. 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. 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. Rest in peace, Chad. We love you forever.”
Gilbert’s death brings an end to a career that began at the very founding of one of pop-punk’s most enduring acts, and his long public battle with cancer had been followed closely by fans for years.
Gilbert helped form the Florida pop-punk group in 1997 and served as its founding guitarist and longtime songwriter, co-writing key songs such as “My Friends Over You.” He was born on March 9, 1981, in Coral Springs, Florida, and also formerly served as the lead vocalist of the hardcore band Shai Hulud.
His health struggles spanned several years and multiple diagnoses. Gilbert was initially diagnosed with liver cancer in 2021 and was later found to have a rare, stage 4 adrenal cancer. Reports also noted he had previously received treatment for metastatic pheochromocytoma, a rare form of adrenal gland cancer that had spread to his spine and lungs.
In early 2026, Gilbert publicly shared a further setback. He revealed that doctors had discovered three brain tumors and underwent brain surgery in March. He had spoken about his diagnoses in an interview with People magazine in April.
Tributes from across the music world followed the news of his death. Fellow musicians — including his bandmate Jordan Pundik — paid their respects to the late guitarist, while media roundups highlighted his longtime influence on pop-punk and his role in shaping New Found Glory’s sound.
Gilbert is survived by his wife, Lisa, his daughter, Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian.
