New Found Glory founder Chad Gilbert dies at 45: ‘We are devastated’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Chad Gilbert, guitarist, record producer, and a founding member of the punk rock band New Found Glory, has died at 45.

His death was announced by his wife Lisa Cimorelli and his bandmates on Sunday, September 20, via a joint social media post.

Chad Gilbert died 'surrounded by friends and family'

Sharing multiple photos of Gilbert from different phases of his life, his wife and his bandmates wrote, “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.”

“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 statement added. 

Chad Gilbert leaves behind his wife and a daughter

The Instagram statement also mentioned that Gilbert “was a legendary musician, but his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father.”

The statement noted that he was survived by “his wife, Lisa, his daughter, Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian.”

Chad Gilbert's bandmates remember him for his positive influence on them

The same post mentioned, “Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades.” His bandmates also asserted that Gilbert was a positive influence on them and always pushed them to do better.

“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,” the statement read.

Chad Gilbert had Stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma

Though the cause of Gilbert’s death has not been revealed yet, he was open about his cancer diagnosis.

In April, he spoke to PEOPLE and opened up about adrenal cancer, which he had been fighting since 2021, and revealed his Stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma diagnosis.

At the time, Gilbert shared, “We wanted to write songs and music that would inspire people, everyday people who could relate. What's crazy is through this journey, to this part of my life … as painful as it is, I'm able to inspire people who are going through really tough things in their lives.”