The band and Gilbert’s wife, Lisa Cimorelli, confirmed his death on social media in a joint statement. Chad Gilbert, founding guitarist and backing vocalist of the pop-punk band New Found Glory, has died at 45.
A cause of death was not given. However, Gilbert had been battling cancer for many years. He was also diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma. This came years after he got treatment for a rare adrenal cancer.
In early 2026 he told People that doctors had found three brain tumors.
What the family said
“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. He was a legendary musician, but his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father. His biggest dreams came true.”
The joint statement said: “On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep,” reads the statement.
