Chad Gilbert’s ex-wife Hayley Williams has finally broken her silence over his devastating death.
The 37-year-old American singer-songwriter, who had been married to the late guitarist and record producer for a little longer than a year, took to her official Instagram Stories on Wednesday, September 23, to express her thoughts on his passing.
Gilbert died at the age of 45 on Sunday, September 20, after a prolonged battle with cancer, confirmed his wife, Lisa Cimorelli.
In her statement, Williams wrote, “Have not known what to say or if it's appropriate. But I feel sure now that I want to bc life is made of the paths we cross and the reasons we cross them are infinite.”
She continued, “Chad is indeed a legend in the scene and my time connected to him taught me a lot. He introduced me to people that continue to shape my life in beautiful ways, and to music and culture that has made life a lot richer.”
“There isn't much that hasn't already been said about what he contributed to the musical world a lot of us grew up in. His influence and attitude guided the genre forward. His passion for fostering the community was inspiring and sticks with me. I will forever be grateful that from him I gained a deeper understanding and a reverence for the community and the culture of hardcore,” Hayley Williams noted.
The Misery Business singer concluded the statement with a heartfelt message to Gilbert’s loved ones, “Sending love and my sympathies to his family, NFG fam, and all his friends.”
About Chad Gilbert
Chad Gilbert was an American guitarist, record producer and songwriter, and also one of the founding members of the punk rock band New Found Glory.
He was also the vocalist for the hardcore punk bank Shai Hulud.
Chad Gilbert health battle and cause of death
In December 2021, Chad Gilbert was diagnosed with a pheochromocytoma – a rare, benign tumor that develops in the center of an adrenal gland – after being found unresponsive at home. The tumor was removed during an emergency surgery.
After a few months in August 2022, the singer announced that his cancer had returned as a spinal tumor, which then spread further into his lungs and back in February 2023, requiring him to undergo intensive chemotherapy and radiation.
In April 2026, Chad’s medical team shared that his diagnosis to stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma.
