Professional wrestler Andy “The Butcher” Williams died after collapsing during an independent show in Pennsylvania on September 5, 2026, according to multiple outlets. The 48-year-old, known for his work in All Elite Wrestling and the metal band Every Time I Die, was pronounced dead after medical staff administered CPR and an AED.
Andy Williams, the professional wrestler known as “The Butcher,” died on September 5, 2026, after collapsing during an independent wrestling show in Millvale, Pennsylvania. The 48-year-old, who had a dual career as a guitarist for the metal band Every Time I Die and a wrestler in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), was rushed to a hospital following the incident and later pronounced dead. Enjoy Wrestling, the promoter of the event, confirmed Williams collapsed at the end of his tag-team match against TME, striking his head on the floor before medical staff administered CPR and an automated external defibrillator (AED).
The Collapse and Medical Response
Williams collapsed at the conclusion of his match with tag-team partner The Blade (Jesse Guilmette) against TME at Mr. Smalls Theater in Millvale, Pennsylvania, according to Kurt Hackimer, co-owner of Enjoy Wrestling. I called for an ambulance. At this time, he was conscious but unresponsive. His condition worsened quickly and his pulse faded,
Hackimer said in a statement. Doctors on-site administered CPR and used an AED until paramedics arrived, but Williams was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause of death, though medics indicated his symptoms were consistent with a cardiac event,
according to CBS News.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene as Williams, who had been wrestling for over a decade, suddenly fell during the match. Rich Fann, an attendee, recounted that Williams was a little wobbly
before collapsing, with crew members and paramedics rushing to his aid. Cleared a path, paid attention to the calls on the mic, and then got him chest compressions, ice, and then the AED,
Fann said. Enjoy Wrestling immediately ended the show and sent attendees home, with the company later posting, Butcher Forever,
on X.
A Legacy Spanning Music and Wrestling
Williams’ career spanned two distinct worlds: as a guitarist for the metalcore band Every Time I Die and as a professional wrestler. He joined the band in 1998, remaining until its disbandment in 2022. In a 2022 interview, Williams reflected on his early life, saying, I remember being like, ‘Oh, my God, I got to get out of here,’
referring to his childhood in Buffalo, New York, where he initially planned to work in a factory. Despite learning disabilities, including dyslexia, he found his passion in music, stating, I just picked up a guitar and it just made sense.
AEW expressed its condolences in a statement, calling Williams a trailblazing musician
who made a successful transition into the world of professional wrestling and was incredibly respected by his peers both in and out of the ring.
The statement added, Our condolences go out to Williams’ family, friends and fans.
Colleagues and fans alike paid tribute to his impact, with actor and interviewer Colin Young describing him as a beacon of kindness, the benchmark of cool, and an unbreakable pillar of love and support to everyone in his life.
Reactions and Tributes
Williams’ death prompted an outpouring of tributes from the music and wrestling communities. Josh Eppard, drummer for Coheed and Cambria, called his passing beyond heartbreaking,
recalling how he met Williams during a 2019 tour. Peace to Andy, the kind giant who I thought was doing some backyard wrestling s— with his buddies until one day I saw his mug on the TV and was in stunned disbelief,
Eppard said. Wrestler Matt Hardy praised Williams as a kind, funny & deep individual who was an extremely talented musician & wrestler,
while AEW interviewer RJ City highlighted his intellect, calling him the opposite of how he looked.
Former AEW women’s world champion Willow Nightingale remembered Williams for his support, saying, He had every right to have an ego, but he didn’t. He reached his hand out and did what he could to help others.
Wrestler Josh Alexander called him one of the best people I ever met,
adding, I’ll remember Andy for what he was: a dude with an enormous heart that could always put a smile on my face.
