NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Chad Gilbert, founding guitarist, songwriter and backing vocalist of pop-punk band New Found Glory, died on September 20, 2026, at age 45. His wife, Lisa Cimorelli, and members of New Found Glory confirmed his death in a joint statement, saying Gilbert died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family and friends. His wife and mother, Jackie, were by his side during his final moments. The statement described the family as devastated by the speed of his decline while expressing gratitude that he was able to die peacefully.
A specific immediate cause of death was not provided in the announcement. Gilbert had spent several years publicly documenting his battle with cancer, including surgeries and treatments after the disease returned and spread.
Who Was Chad Gilbert?
Chad Gilbert was a founding member of New Found Glory, the Florida pop-punk band formed in 1997. He played guitar, contributed backing vocals and became one of the band’s principal songwriters.
The group developed a substantial following during the late 1990s and early 2000s as pop-punk reached a wider audience. Songs including “My Friends Over You,” “Hit or Miss” and “All Downhill From Here” became closely associated with the band’s career.
Gilbert remained involved with New Found Glory throughout its decades-long career and contributed to the band’s extensive recording catalog.
Chad Gilbert’s Cancer Battle
Gilbert publicly shared details of his cancer diagnosis and treatment with fans.
In December 2021, he underwent emergency surgery after becoming seriously ill at home. Doctors discovered a rare malignant tumor involving his adrenal gland. The tumor was identified as a pheochromocytoma, a rare type of tumor associated with the adrenal glands.
Gilbert later revealed that his cancer had returned and spread to other parts of his body, including his spine and lungs.
His health challenges continued into 2026. In February, he underwent emergency brain surgery after doctors discovered three tumors in his brain. His diagnosis was subsequently reported as stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma.
Throughout his illness, Gilbert continued to communicate with supporters about his treatment, recovery and determination to remain involved in his family and music.
Gilbert Returned to the Stage During His Illness
Despite his increasingly serious health problems, Gilbert continued making appearances with New Found Glory.
In June 2026, he performed with the band in Nashville. He used a motorized scooter during the performance and later spoke about the significance of having his daughter, Lily, present.
The appearance became one of his final public performances and demonstrated how closely his identity remained connected to music even during his cancer treatment.
Chad Gilbert and Lisa Cimorelli
Gilbert was married to Lisa Cimorelli, a singer and member of the musical group Cimorelli.
The couple shared a daughter, Lily. Gilbert frequently spoke about his family during his illness, including the importance of spending time with his daughter.
Cimorelli and Gilbert’s family were among those closest to him during his final days. Her involvement in the announcement provided the family’s account of his final moments and his peaceful passing.
Gilbert had previously been married to musician Sherri DuPree-Bemis and to Hayley Williams, the lead singer of Paramore.
Chad Gilbert’s New Found Glory Legacy
Gilbert helped establish New Found Glory in Coral Springs, Florida, in 1997. The band went on to become a recognizable name in the pop-punk scene, releasing numerous studio albums and touring internationally.
His contributions extended beyond performing. As a guitarist and songwriter, Gilbert helped shape the band’s sound across multiple generations of listeners.
New Found Glory’s music became particularly influential among fans of the late-1990s and early-2000s pop-punk movement. The band’s songs continued to be performed and streamed decades after its formation.
Gilbert’s work also extended into production and collaborations within the punk and alternative music communities.
What Happened to Chad Gilbert?
Gilbert died on September 20, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, at age 45.
His family and bandmates confirmed that he died peacefully in his sleep. They said he was surrounded by people close to him and that his wife and mother were present.
The family’s announcement did not identify a separate immediate cause of death. Gilbert’s death followed several years of publicly documented treatment for cancer, including major surgeries and treatment for metastatic disease.
Responsible obituary reporting requires a distinction between those established medical facts and any claim about the precise medical event that caused his death.
Remembering Chad Gilbert
Chad Gilbert’s public legacy is closely connected to New Found Glory and the growth of pop-punk from a late-1990s subculture into a major part of alternative music.
For nearly three decades, he remained connected to the band he helped create. His work as a guitarist, songwriter and backing vocalist reached generations of listeners.
His final years also brought a more personal side of Gilbert into public view. Through his discussions about cancer, treatment and family, fans followed a period of his life that extended well beyond his career on stage.
Gilbert is survived by his wife, Lisa Cimorelli; their daughter, Lily; his mother, Jackie; and his brother, Brian.
As family, friends, bandmates and fans remember Gilbert, his musical contributions remain an enduring part of New Found Glory’s history and the broader story of American pop-punk.