Andy Williams, the founding guitarist of the metalcore band Every Time I Die and professional wrestler known as “The Butcher,” has passed away at the age of 48.
Williams, who competed in the ring under the moniker “The Butcher,” collapsed following a wrestling event in Pennsylvania on Tuesday night, September 5, and subsequently passed away.
According to reports, he collapsed shortly after competing in a tag-team match alongside Jesse “The Blade” Guilmette at an Enjoy Wrestling event held at Mr. Small’s Theater in Millvale, Pennsylvania.
He received CPR at the venue before being transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. TMZ confirmed his passing, citing the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office.
As a founding member of Every Time I Die in 1998, Williams played a pivotal role in shaping the band’s legacy over more than two decades, remaining with the group until their disbandment in 2022.
He appeared on all nine of the band’s studio albums, including their final LP, 2021’s ‘Radical.’ Following the band’s split, Williams formed Atomic Rule, while his former bandmates Jordan Buckley, Steve Micciche, and Clayton ‘Goose’ Holyoak went on to form Better Lovers.
In the wake of his sudden death, tributes poured in from the music and wrestling communities. Better Lovers shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing: “A true 1 of 1 human being in every aspect of life. How lucky we and everyone he crossed paths with were to have known or shared any type moment/s with him, big or small. There will never be another Andy Williams.”
All Elite Wrestling (AEW) shared a tribute on X, expressing their sorrow: “All Elite Wrestling is saddened to learn of the passing of Andy Williams, aka The Butcher. A trailblazing musician with ETID and Atomic Rule, Williams made a successful transition into the world of professional wrestling and was incredibly respected by his peers both in and out of the ring. Our condolences go out to Williams’ family, friends and fans.”
All Elite Wrestling is saddened to learn of the passing of Andy Williams, aka The Butcher. A trailblazing musician with ETID and Atomic Rule, Williams made a successful transition into the world of professional wrestling and was incredibly respected by his peers both in and out… pic.twitter.com/FZ5WhSGsFl
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 6, 2026
Fellow wrestler Josh Alexander also paid tribute, saying: “He was one of the best people I ever met. Everytime we spoke I left the conversation better for it. I’ll remember Andy for what he was. A dude with an enormous heart that could always put a smile on my face. Rest in Peace brother.”
Andy Williams was a musician and wrestler.
He was one of the best people I ever met. Everytime we spoke I left the conversation better for it.
I’ll remember Andy for what he was. A dude with an enormous heart that could always put a smile on my face.
Rest in Peace brother.
pic.twitter.com/OHyhcDbJug— Josh Alexander (@Walking_Weapon) September 6, 2026
Knotfest, the music festival created by Slipknot, also paid their respects, writing: “Gone too soon. Though he will be remembered by most for his guitar playing in the underrated but iconically influential Every Time I Die and his spanning wrestling career, Andy Williams was a warm and beloved presence in every space he occupied.”
Andy Williams has passed away.
Gone too soon. Though he will be remembered by most for his guitar playing in the underrated but iconically influential Every Time I Die and his spanning wrestling career, Andy Williams was a warm and beloved presence in every space he occupied. pic.twitter.com/bQM7jqpqjy
— KNOTFEST (@KNOTFEST) September 6, 2026
Prior to the tragic event, Williams had taken to Instagram to share his excitement about new music, noting that his band had just finished writing and tracking demos.
“Update of the work we’ve been putting in! So stoked to share all this with you! We feel like we’ve finally found our feet planted to this beautiful earth and now we’re running full speed!” he wrote in his final posts.
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