CORAL SPRINGS, FL. (THECOUNT) — Chad Gilbert, founding guitarist and backing vocalist of pop-punk band New Found Glory, has died at age 45, according to a joint statement from the band and his wife, Lisa Cimorelli.
Gilbert died peacefully in his sleep Sunday morning, September 20, surrounded by friends and family, with Cimorelli and his mother, Jackie, by his side, according to the statement. A specific cause of death was not announced.
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Gilbert had been battling cancer for several years. In early 2026, he revealed that doctors had discovered three brain tumors and that his diagnosis had been revised to stage-four adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of adrenal cancer.
“We are devastated and shocked by how quickly he left us, yet so grateful for how peacefully and smoothly he went,” the statement said. “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 described Gilbert as a legendary musician but said his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father.
“He was a legendary musician, but his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father. His biggest dreams came true,” the statement said.
Gilbert is survived by his wife, Lisa, their daughter, Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian.
Gilbert helped form New Found Glory in 1997 in Coral Springs, Florida, alongside Jordan Pundik, Steve Klein, Ian Grushka and Joe Marino, who was later replaced by Cyrus Bolooki. The band became one of the most influential acts in the pop-punk movement that developed in the late 1990s and expanded into the mainstream during the early 2000s.
As a founding member, Gilbert performed on the group’s albums beginning with its 1999 debut, “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” through its 2026 release, “Listen Up!” His guitar playing, songwriting and backing vocals became important parts of the band’s sound across nearly three decades.
New Found Glory achieved widespread recognition with its 2002 album, “Sticks and Stones,” which featured the hit single “My Friends Over You.” The song reached No. 85 on the Billboard Hot 100, helping the band expand its audience beyond the pop-punk scene.
Gilbert also performed with other groups, including Shai Hulud and International Superheroes of Hardcore, a hardcore side project connected to New Found Glory. He additionally worked as a producer and contributed to projects by other artists in the punk and alternative music communities.
Gilbert was raised in Coral Springs and said in a 2026 interview that New Found Glory began with a group of young people who felt like outsiders but found a sense of belonging through music.
“We started this band because we wanted to keep feeling like we belonged,” Gilbert said.
His health struggles became public in 2021 after doctors discovered a rare adrenal tumor. Over the following years, he underwent extensive treatment, including surgeries, radiation and chemotherapy. His cancer later spread to other parts of his body, including his spine and brain.
In February 2026, Gilbert underwent emergency surgery after doctors discovered the brain tumors. Despite his health challenges, he continued working on music and eventually returned to the stage. In June, he performed with New Found Glory in Nashville, appearing in a wheelchair.
Gilbert’s battle with cancer also influenced the band’s creative work. New Found Glory’s 2026 album, “Listen Up!,” was created while he was balancing recording sessions, medical appointments and treatment.
In the statement announcing his death, New Found Glory members remembered Gilbert for his guitar playing, songwriting, humor and determination.
“Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades,” the band 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.”
Gilbert was previously married to Paramore singer Hayley Williams. The pair began dating in 2007, became engaged in 2014 and married in 2016 before separating in 2017.
Gilbert’s death marks the loss of a musician whose work helped define a major era of pop-punk. His bandmates said his legacy would remain part of New Found Glory’s music and live performances for years to come.
The city of Coral Springs is located in Broward County, Florida, northwest of Fort Lauderdale and within the South Florida metropolitan region. Gilbert’s musical career began in the South Florida punk and hardcore scene before New Found Glory gained international recognition.
Google Maps: Coral Springs, Florida
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