New Found Glory Founder Chad Gilbert Dies At Just 45 Only Three Months After His Emotional Return To The Stage — As His Band Reveals Who Was Beside Him During His Final Moments

by

Comprehensive Deep-Dive: Chad Gilbert, Co-Founder and Lead Guitarist of New Found Glory, Passes Away at 45

The alternative rock and global pop-punk community is in mourning following the tragic passing of Chad Gilbert, the foundational lead guitarist, backing vocalist, and primary songwriter of the iconic band New Found Glory. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 45, surrounded by his family.Remembering Chad Gilbert

1. The Official Announcement and Final Moments

The devastating news was made public through a joint statement released by New Found Glory and Gilbert’s wife, Lisa Cimorelli.

Chad-Gilbert-ig-1

  • Surrounded by Loved Ones: According to the family statement, Gilbert passed away on the morning of September 20, 2026, with his wife Lisa and his mother, Jackie, by his side.
  • An Outpouring of Support: The statement noted that the hospital lobby was immediately flooded with friends, bandmates, and loved ones rushing to pay their final respects, highlighting the profound warmth and loyalty he inspired throughout his life.
  • Surviving Family: He is survived by his wife Lisa, their young daughter Lily, his mother Jackie, and his brother Brian.

    Chad-Gilbert-new-found-glory-getty-1

2. A Hard-Fought, Courageous Battle With Rare Cancer

Gilbert’s passing comes after an arduous, highly public, and intensely courageous multi-year battle with rare and aggressive cancer.
  • The Initial Diagnosis: Gilbert was first diagnosed with cancer in late 2021 when doctors discovered a rare adrenal gland tumor initially identified as metastatic pheochromocytoma, which later metastasized to his lungs and spine before being classified as stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma.
  • Brain Surgery and Medical Resilience: In early 2026, after experiencing loss of mobility and strength in his hands and legs, brain scans revealed three new tumors. He underwent successful, high-risk emergency brain surgery in late February 2026.
  • A Triumphant Return to the Stage: Demonstrating his legendary punk-rock determination, Gilbert made an emotional, triumphant return to the live stage in June 2026 during a New Found Glory show in Nashville, performing fan-favorite anthems from a motorized scooter while his daughter watched from the wings.

3. A Towering Legacy in Modern Pop-Punk

Formed in Coral Springs, Florida, in 1997 alongside vocalist Jordan Pundik and bassist Ian Grushka, New Found Glory became the undisputed blueprint for 2000s pop-punk, bridging melodic hardcore intensity with infectious, sunshine-soaked pop hooks.
  • Shaping a Genre: Across nearly three decades and more than a dozen studio albums—ranging from early landmark releases like Sticks and Stones to later works like Make the Most of It (2023) and Listen Up! (2026)—Gilbert’s signature guitar riffs, vocal harmonies, and prolific songwriting heavily defined the sound of modern alternative music.
  • Prolific Producer and Mentor: Beyond his work as the creative engine of New Found Glory, Gilbert played in influential heavy hardcore acts like Shai Hulud and International Superheroes of Hardcore, while also shaping the sound of a generation as a producer and mentor for bands such as A Day to Remember.
Peers across the entire spectrum of rock music have remembered him not only as an exceptional musician and visionary writer, but as a fiercely dedicated father, a loving husband, and a remarkably resilient spirit whose laughter and passion left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered.