Chad Gilbert, founder and guitarist of New Found Glory, died at 45, his wife said in a statement. The singer had battled cancer for years.
Chad Gilbert died “peacefully in his sleep” on Sunday morning, his bandmates and wife, Lisa, said in a statement. He was only 45.
“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,” the band and Gilbert’s wife, Lisa Cimorelli, wrote on Facebook on Sunday. “We are devastated and shocked by how quickly he left us, yet so grateful for how peacefully and smoothly he went.”
While the post didn’t reveal Chad’s cause of death, it’s been widely known that he has battled cancer for years. The singer and founder of New Ground Glory has openly spoken about his cancer diagnosis.
In an interview with People Magazine earlier this year, Gilbert revealed that he had been undergoing treatment for adrenal cancer since 2021. Moreover, he had also been diagnosed with Stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma.
At the time, Gilbert’s wife, Lisa, said the additional diagnosis came with a prognosis that meant he could have “a much shorter lifespan than he’s already lived.” The prognosis is usually “six months to a year. And we’re five years out.”
Still, despite his cancer diagnosis, Gilbert continued to update fans on his health, including hospital visits through his Instagram . He also didn’t back down from what he loved: music.
Born on March 9, 1981, in Coral Springs, Florida, Gilbert was only 16 when he co-founded New Found Glory. They released their debut studio album, Nothing Gold Can Stay , in 1999.
The pop-punk group had several big hits over the years, including , and Stay Awhile . Their most recent album, Listen Up! , was released earlier this year.
“Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades,” the band wrote.
“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.”
Other band members include Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka, and Cyrus Bolooki. In recent months, they have been touring and have two upcoming shows scheduled. Whether they will move ahead as planned is still unknown.
After news of Gilbert’s death was announced, tributes poured in on social media, including from classic rock band The Offspring and Good Charlotte as well as from blink-182 drummer Travis Barker.
“I’ve never seen anyone carry themselves through something like this with such positivity and strength,” the band Dashboard Confessional wrote. “What an example to us all. I’ll miss you so much Chad. RIP.”
Gilbert is survived by his wife, daughter Lily, mother Jackie, and brother Brian.
“He was a legendary musician, but his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father,” the statement on Sunday read . “His biggest dreams came true.”
Rest in peace, Chad Gilbert. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.