Andy Williams, founding guitarist of metalcore band Every Time I Die and former All Elite Wrestling (AEW) wrestler, has died at 48.
Williams, who was known as “The Butcher” during his professional wrestling career, died on Saturday night, September 5, after collapsing following an independent tag-team wrestling match in Pennsylvania.
According to reports, Williams collapsed hours after competing at an Enjoy Wrestling event at Mr. Small’s Theatre in Millvale, Pennsylvania.
The event promoter, Enjoy Wrestling, said Williams received immediate medical attention at the venue.
“Andy collapsed at the end of his match this evening. Our doctors on staff tended to him immediately, administering CPR until the ambulance arrived,” the promoter wrote on X.
A specific cause of death was not immediately available.
Williams had competed alongside his longtime wrestling partner, Jesse “The Blade” Guilmette, against TME at the event. Organisers subsequently cancelled the programme following the incident.
Before entering professional wrestling, Williams was best known as the founding rhythm guitarist of Every Time I Die, the New York-based metalcore band he helped establish in 1998.
He remained with the group until its breakup in 2022 and appeared on all nine of its studio albums, including its final record, Radical, released in 2021.
Every Time I Die announced its breakup in early 2022 following the release of Radical, ending a career that spanned more than two decades.
Williams began wrestling professionally in the 2010s while still performing with the band. He joined AEW in 2019 under the ring name “The Butcher” and remained contracted to the promotion until June 2026.
AEW paid tribute to Williams following news of his death, describing him as a trailblazing musician who successfully transitioned into professional wrestling.
“All Elite Wrestling is saddened to learn of the passing of Andy Williams, aka The Butcher,” the company wrote.
“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.”
Following Every Time I Die’s breakup, Williams joined Atomic Rule and continued making music alongside his wrestling career.
Shortly before his death, he appeared in a video shared by Atomic Rule, revealing that the band was working on new music.
Williams’ death marks the loss of a musician who built a two-decade career with Every Time I Die before becoming a recognised figure in professional wrestling.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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