Andrew Williams, the Every Time I Die guitarist known as The Butcher to wrestling fans, died at age 48 after suffering a medical emergency during an independent wrestling match in Millvale, Pennsylvania, on September 5, 2026. The wrestling world and musical peers have shared widespread tributes.
Medical Emergency and Sudden Passing in Millvale
Andrew Williams suffered a medical event at the end of his match during Enjoy Wrestling’s Five Years event at Mr. Smalls Theatre in Millvale, Pennsylvania, on Saturday night, September 5, 2026. Williams was teaming with his longtime partner The Blade (Jesse Guilmette) against TME. The incident led to the show’s cancellation.
Andy collapsed at the end of his match this evening,
Enjoy Wrestling stated on X. Our doctors on staff tended to him immediately, administering CPR until the ambulance arrived. We sent everyone home and are at the hospital now waiting for more information. Thanks to everyone who helped and has reached out.
Eyewitness accounts from attendees like Rich Fann described the final moments of the match. Williams seemed to be in a bit of dire straits toward the end of the bout, and the participants went to a finish while Williams appeared a little wobbly. After going down, The Blade helped him up briefly before trying to alert others for help. Crew members, paramedics, and the crowd worked in unison to clear a path, follow calls on the microphone, administer chest compressions and ice, and utilize an AED before boarding him onto an ambulance.
Hours of confusion followed after Enjoy Wrestling initially denied claims that Williams had passed away before deleting that denial. TMZ then confirmed Williams’ death through the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office. He was 48 years old.
From Metalcore Stardom to the Wrestling Ring
Andrew Williams grew up in the Buffalo, New York, area, initially believing he would follow his father’s and uncles’ footsteps to work at a factory. I remember being like, ‘Oh, my God, I got to get out of here,’
he told Renee Paquette in a 2022 interview. Living with learning disabilities including dyslexia prevented him from learning how to read music, but he told Paquette, I just picked up a guitar and it just made sense.
Williams played as the longtime rhythm guitarist with Every Time I Die from the group’s inception in 1998 to its disbandment in 2022. Epitaph Records, which signed the group in 2008, noted that The band became known for turning chaos into catharsis, pairing breakneck intensity with anthemic hooks and off-kilter grooves.
In 2025, Williams’ new band, Atomic Rule, released a demo EP. On Saturday, just hours before his collapse, Williams spoke in a video on the group’s social media.
In his second career as a professional wrestler, Williams wrestled for AEW from 2019 up until recently, performing as The Butcher.
Tributes From Across Music and Professional Wrestling
All Elite Wrestling issued an official statement reacting to his death: “All Elite Wrestling is saddened to learn of the passing of Andy Williams, aka The Butcher. 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.” AEW also posted a black-and-white memorial graphic reading, In Memory of Andy Williams ‘The Butcher’ 1977 – 2026.
Peers shared heartfelt memories across social media. RJ City and Sammy Guevara highlighted his surprising warmth given his size and tattoos. For a man his size, with all the tattoos, you'd assume he'd be this monster. But in reality, Andy Williams was always such a kind person to Tay and me anytime we saw him,
Sammy Guevara wrote. City added, Andy Williams was so smart and cultured that it made both his chosen careers all the more insane. He was the opposite of how he looked, we were lucky to know him.
WWE star Ricky Saints fondly remembered Williams driving a golf cart around the Jacksonville Jaguars’ home stadium without a shirt while wearing sunglasses. QT Marshall noted that his matches with Williams remained some of his overall favorites. AEW commentator Taz praised Williams as a “creative” talent both musically and in-ring wise, adding, He was just a REAL DUDE. I use to call him ‘Big Butch’ every-time I saw him & he would giggle & smile!
Paige also shared her condolences, calling him one of the best human beings.