Andy Williams, the founding guitarist of metalcore band Every Time I Die and a professional wrestler, has died at age 48. Williams died after suffering a medical emergency near the end of a tag-team wrestling match. The incident occurred at Mr. Small’s Theatre in Millvale, Pennsylvania on Saturday night, September 5. He and his longtime wrestling partner, Jesse “The Blade” Guilmette, were competing against TME at the Enjoy Wrestling event. The event was canceled shortly after Williams collapsed during the match. Medical staff at the venue administered CPR until an ambulance arrived, and the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office said Williams died at the hospital at 9:43 p.m. local time.
Williams was known in the wrestling world as “The Butcher” while competing for All Elite Wrestling. He joined AEW in 2019 and remained with the promotion until June 2026. AEW expressed sorrow over his death, describing him as a “trailblazing musician” with Every Time I Die and Atomic Rule who successfully transitioned into professional wrestling and was respected by his peers. Before entering professional wrestling, Williams was the rhythm guitarist for Every Time I Die. He played with the band from its start in 1998 until it disbanded in 2022.
Every Time I Die released its ninth and final studio album, Radical, in 2021 before announcing its breakup. After the band ended, Williams continued making music with Atomic Rule. He was recently seen in a video posted by the band’s Instagram account, where he mentioned that Atomic Rule was working on new material.
Williams' death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans and fellow wrestlers alike. His dual career in music and wrestling was a defining part of his public profile, and Billboard highlighted both sides of his career in its report on his death. The exact cause of his death has not been officially confirmed at this time.
Fans and colleagues remembered him in tributes as kind, talented and respected. Williams was a key figure in the metalcore scene and had built a strong following over two decades. His transition from music to wrestling was well-documented, showing his versatility and drive. He was respected by peers both inside and outside of the wrestling ring.
Williams’ passing marks the end of a career that spanned multiple creative fields and touched many lives.