Chad Gilbert, founding guitarist and backing vocalist of pop-punk band New Found Glory, has died at the age of 45. His death was announced on Sunday, Sept. 20, by the band and his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, in a joint statement shared on social media.
According to the statement, Gilbert died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family and friends, with his wife and mother by his side. The announcement described the family and band as devastated by his death while noting that his passing was peaceful. Gilbert is survived by Cimorelli, their daughter Lily, his mother Jackie and his brother Brian.
Gilbert had been living with cancer since 2021. He was initially diagnosed with metastatic pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal cancer, and underwent multiple treatments and surgeries over the following years. In February 2026, he underwent emergency brain surgery after three tumors were discovered. His diagnosis was later identified as adrenocortical carcinoma, according to reports.
Despite his health challenges, Gilbert continued working with New Found Glory. The band released its latest album, Listen Up!, in February 2026, and Gilbert returned to the stage with the group in June during a Nashville performance. He played guitar from a mobility scooter during performances of “Hit or Miss” and “My Friends Over You.”
Gilbert co-founded New Found Glory in Florida in the late 1990s alongside Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka and Cyrus Bolooki. The group became one of the prominent acts associated with the early-2000s pop-punk scene, releasing albums including Nothing Gold Can Stay, New Found Glory and the 2002 platinum-certified Sticks and Stones.
His work with New Found Glory included guitar, backing vocals and songwriting, with the band’s catalog featuring songs such as “Hit or Miss,” “My Friends Over You,” “Head on Collision” and “All Downhill From Here.” Gilbert also worked as a producer for artists and bands including A Day to Remember, H2O and Terror.
Following news of his death, musicians from across the rock and pop-punk communities began sharing tributes. New Found Glory singer Jordan Pundik, along with members of bands including Sum 41, My Chemical Romance, Simple Plan, Good Charlotte and others, publicly remembered Gilbert and his contribution to the music scene.
New Found Glory said Gilbert’s guitar playing, songwriting and work with the band had shaped the group across nearly three decades. The band has not announced further details about funeral or memorial arrangements.
