Former AEW star and Every Time I Die guitarist Andy "The Butcher" Williams dies at 48 after a medical emergency. Read the full tribute!
Former All Elite Wrestling (AEW) wrestler and heavy metal musician Andy Williams, widely known by his ring name "The Butcher," has passed away at the age of 48. Williams suffered a severe medical emergency on Saturday, September 5, 2026, during an independent tag team match at Mr. Smalls Theatre in Millvale, Pennsylvania.
Beyond his decade-long career in professional wrestling, Williams was a founding member and rhythm guitarist for the influential metalcore band Every Time I Die, making him one of the rare crossover talents to achieve mainstream success in both heavy music and professional wrestling.
What Happened During Andy Williams' Final Wrestling Match?
Williams was competing alongside his long-time tag team partner, Jesse "The Blade" Guilmette, at Enjoy Wrestling's five-year anniversary event near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- The In-Ring Emergency: Towards the conclusion of their match against The Mane Event (TME), Williams collapsed near the ringside area.
- Immediate Response: Medical personnel and staff doctors rushed to his aid at ringside, administering CPR and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) until paramedics arrived.
- Show Cancellation: Organizers promptly halted the event, sent attendees home, and transported Williams via ambulance to a local hospital, where the Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office later confirmed his passing.
How Are the Wrestling and Music Communities Remembering The Butcher?
Tributes quickly flooded social media from both the pro wrestling industry and the heavy metal world, celebrating Williams' gentle personality, immense creativity, and rare dual-industry success.
- Statement from All Elite Wrestling: AEW released an official statement honoring their former roster member: "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."
- Legacy in Heavy Music: As a founding member of Buffalo, New York's Every Time I Die from 1998 through 2022, Williams played guitar on all nine of the band's studio albums. Following ETID's split, he continued writing music with his new band, Atomic Rule.
- Tag Team Icon: Alongside Jesse "The Blade" Guilmette and manager The Bunny (Laura Dennis), Williams debuted in AEW in late 2019. The Butcher and The Blade quickly became a fan-favorite tag team known for their hard-hitting style and distinctive vintage aesthetic.