Chad Gilbert, the guitarist and co-founder of the influential pop-punk band New Found Glory, died on September 20 at age 45 following a five-year battle with cancer, according to a statement from his family and bandmates. Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep, surrounded by his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, and his mother, Jackie, as well as friends and family.
A Legacy Shaping Pop-Punk for Three Decades
According to his bandmates Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka, Cyrus Bolooki, and Dan O’Connor, Gilbert’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades. Formed in 1997, the group released more than a dozen albums and earned a reputation as the “godfathers” of pop-punk for their role in defining the genre during the early 2000s. The band stated that Gilbert “challenged all of us to grow as musicians, performers, and human beings.”
Did you know? New Found Glory is credited with defining the genre in the early 2000s.
Cancer Diagnosis and Medical Timeline
Gilbert’s health struggles began in late 2021 when he was diagnosed with pheochromocytoma, a rare tumor developing in the adrenal glands situated on top of the kidneys, according to his public disclosures. Just a week after his December 2021 diagnosis, he underwent successful surgery to remove the tumor and shared in January 2022 that he was cancer-free.
However, the disease returned. Doctors subsequently discovered a tumor in his spine later that year, requiring additional surgery. In August 2025, Gilbert reported that he was undergoing further treatment after medical scans revealed a small spot in his back. Earlier this year, he underwent brain surgery following the discovery of three tumors, which led medical professionals to revise his diagnosis to stage four adrenocortical carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of adrenal cancer.
Family and Final Arrangements
Outside of his extensive touring schedule and recording career with New Found Glory, Gilbert’s primary focus remained his family. According to the announcement shared by his wife and bandmates, his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, whom he married in March 2020; their five-year-old daughter, Lily; his mother, Jackie; and his brother, Brian.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Chad Gilbert co-found New Found Glory?
Chad Gilbert co-founded New Found Glory in 1997 alongside his bandmates, helping guide the group through nearly three decades of recording and touring.
What type of cancer did Chad Gilbert have?
Gilbert was initially diagnosed with pheochromocytoma, a rare adrenal gland tumor, in December 2021. His diagnosis was later revised to stage four adrenocortical carcinoma after doctors discovered tumors in his spine and brain.
Who is Chad Gilbert survived by?
He is survived by his wife Lisa Cimorelli, their five-year-old daughter Lily, his mother Jackie, and his brother Brian.
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