New Found Glory’s Chad Gilbert dies at 45 after cancer battle
Chad Gilbert, the guitarist for the rock band New Found Glory, has passed away at age 45 following a battle with cancer. His family and bandmates confirmed the news, noting he died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by loved ones.
Why it matters
Gilbert was a prominent figure in the pop-punk music scene, and his death marks a significant loss for the genre and his long-time bandmates.
Chad Gilbert, guitarist for New Found Glory, has died aged 45. Photo / Getty Images
Chad Gilbert, the guitarist of American rock band New Found Glory, has died at the age of 45.
Gilbert “passed away peacefully in his sleep” on Sunday (September 20, 2026) morning following a long battle with cancer, leaving his loved ones “devastated”.
A statement shared on his wife Lisa Morelli’s Instagram account read: “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.
Also covering this story
6 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
New Found Glory founder and guitarist Chad Gilbert dead at 45
'New Found Glory' band guitarist Chad Gilbert passes away at 45
Chad Gilbert death: New Found Glory guitarist dies at age 45
Chad Gilbert, New Found Glory's Founding Guitarist, Dead at 45
New Found Glory Guitarist Was 45
New Found Glory Guitarist Chad Gilbert Dead at 45
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in