New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert passes away, months after removing 3 brain tumours and battling rare cancer

Chad Gilbert, founding member and lead guitarist of pop-punk band New Found Glory, has sadly passed away. He was 45.News of his death became public after his band posted an official note announcing his demise on Sunday. Sharing a tribute post featuring throwback images of Chat, the band announced his death, saying they were “devastated and shocked” by the loss.

Chad Gilbert passes away at 45

In a statement shared on Instagram, the band revealed that Gilbert died peacefully in his sleep on September 20, surrounded by loved ones. The note 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. The amount of visitors that crowded the hospital lobby at a moment’s notice is a testament to how beloved and cherished Chad was, and always will be.”“He was a legendary musician, but his favourite accomplishment was being a husband and father. His biggest dreams came true. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, his daughter, Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian.”

New Found Glory honours Chad Gilbert

Honouring his legacy and contribution to the band, the band wrote, “Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humour, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades. 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. While we are devastated to lose him, we are so grateful for the incredible life he lived, the memories we shared, and the brotherhood we had. His influence will always be part of New Found Glory and his spirit will be felt on every stage we stand on, with every note we play.”

Chad Gilbert’s health challenges

News of Gilbert’s death comes after months of battling a series of serious health challenges. In March, he underwent brain surgery to remove three tumours. He had also previously been treated for metastatic pheochromocytoma, a rare form of adrenal gland cancer that had spread to his spine and lungs.In a social media post, he informed fans about his brain surgery. He said, “On February 20th, I played a show in Nashville and was struggling to control the movements of my left hand. My left leg was getting weaker by the day and I started stumbling and falling at times. On the 23rd I was taken to the ER where a CT scan showed 3 new tumors had appeared in my brain. On 2/27 I had successful brain surgery and have been recovering in the hospital since. I regained function of my left hand immediately My radiation oncologist described it like this: “this is not a fatal blow and not the end of your story, just the beginning of a new chapter.” My recovery has been bumpy at times but I’m feeling much better now and getting stronger by the day.”Despite his health struggles, Gilbert remained closely associated with the band which he co-founded in the late 1990s.New Found Glory has yet to announce further details regarding funeral and memorial arrangements.Gilbert is survived by his wife and child.