CORAL SPRINGS, FLORIDA — Chad Gilbert, the founding guitarist and longtime member of New Found Glory, has died at the age of 45 following a years-long battle with cancer.
Gilbert died on Sunday, September 20, 2026. His death was announced by New Found Glory and his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, who said he passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family and friends, with his wife and mother by his side.
His death marks the loss of one of the defining guitarists and songwriters associated with the pop-punk movement that emerged in the late 1990s and became a major force in alternative music during the following decade.
Chad Gilbert Dies at 45
Gilbert had publicly documented his health struggles for several years.
He was initially diagnosed with a rare adrenal cancer known as pheochromocytoma in 2021. His condition later progressed, with his diagnosis updated to adrenocortical carcinoma.
In February 2026, Gilbert underwent emergency brain surgery after doctors discovered three tumors. Despite the seriousness of his condition, he continued working toward a return to music.
Just months before his death, Gilbert returned to the stage with New Found Glory in Nashville, performing from a wheelchair during the band’s June 8 show.
Chad Gilbert Death Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Chad Everett Gilbert |
| Age | 45 |
| Date of death | September 20, 2026 |
| Cause of death | Complications following a prolonged cancer battle |
| Band | New Found Glory |
| Role | Founding guitarist, songwriter and backing vocalist |
| Band formed | 1997 |
| Formation location | Coral Springs, Florida |
| Wife | Lisa Cimorelli |
| Daughter | Lily |
| Mother | Jackie |
| Brother | Brian |
| Final days | Surrounded by family and friends |
New Found Glory Founder and Guitarist
Gilbert helped form New Found Glory in Coral Springs in 1997 alongside Jordan Pundik, Ian Grushka and other musicians.
The band became one of the best-known names in pop-punk, particularly during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Gilbert’s guitar work and songwriting were central to the band’s sound across numerous albums and years of international touring.
New Found Glory became widely known for songs including “My Friends Over You,” “Hit or Miss” and “All Downhill From Here,” helping establish the group’s enduring place in the pop-punk scene.
Over nearly three decades, Gilbert contributed to more than a dozen albums and remained closely associated with the band throughout its evolution.
Chad Gilbert’s Cancer Battle
Gilbert first publicly revealed his cancer diagnosis in 2021.
His treatment continued for years, including surgery and other medical interventions as the disease progressed.
Earlier in 2026, his health took another serious turn when doctors discovered three tumors in his brain after he experienced weakness in his left side.
He underwent emergency brain surgery in February.
Despite those challenges, Gilbert remained focused on his family and music. His return to the stage in June was particularly meaningful because his young daughter was present to watch him perform.
Gilbert had spoken publicly about his gratitude for his family during his illness, describing his wife and daughter as among the most important parts of his life.
Remembering Chad Gilbert
Gilbert’s influence extended well beyond his role as a guitarist.
For nearly 30 years, his work helped shape New Found Glory’s sound and contributed to the broader development of pop-punk.
His playing, songwriting and stage presence became familiar to generations of fans who followed the band from its early Florida years through its international career.
Bandmates remembered Gilbert for his guitar playing, songwriting, humor and relentless drive, while emphasizing the lasting bond they shared as musicians and friends.
Family and Personal Life
Gilbert is survived by his wife, Lisa Cimorelli, their daughter Lily, his mother Jackie and his brother Brian.
His family life became increasingly important to him during his illness.
In interviews during 2026, Gilbert spoke about the importance of becoming a husband and father and expressed gratitude for the life he had built outside music.
His death leaves his family grieving while fans and musicians across the alternative and pop-punk communities remember his contribution to the genre.
Return to the Stage
One of the final public chapters of Gilbert’s career came in June 2026 when he joined New Found Glory onstage in Nashville.
Performing from a wheelchair, he played guitar during some of the band’s best-known songs.
The appearance was especially significant because his daughter was in the audience.
For Gilbert, the performance represented a return to something that had been central to his life even as he faced an increasingly difficult medical battle.
Music Community Mourns
News of Gilbert’s death prompted tributes from musicians and artists across the alternative music community.
New Found Glory described his influence as something that would remain part of the band’s music and performances.
For longtime listeners, his death represents the loss of a musician whose career helped define an era of pop-punk.
The band he helped build in Coral Springs went on to tour internationally, release numerous albums and influence musicians who followed.
Chad Gilbert’s Legacy
Chad Gilbert’s musical legacy is closely tied to New Found Glory and the development of modern pop-punk.
From the band’s formation in Coral Springs in 1997 through decades of recording and touring, Gilbert remained an important creative force within the group.
His final years also became a story of family, perseverance and a determination to continue making music despite serious illness.
Gilbert was 45 when he died on September 20, 2026.
He leaves behind his wife, daughter, mother, brother, bandmates and a worldwide community of fans who will continue to hear his work through the music he helped create.
Disclaimer
This article is based on current reports concerning the death of Chad Gilbert on September 20, 2026. His death was announced by New Found Glory and his family. Details about his cancer history and final illness are based on publicly reported information and family or band statements. Funeral, memorial and family arrangements may be updated as additional information becomes available.