Chad Gilbert, New Found Glory founding member and lead guitarist, dead at 45

Chad Gilbert, the founding member and lead guitarist for the punk rock band New Found Glory, has died.

He was 45.

The band and the late musician's wife Lisa Cimorelli announced the news of Gilbert's death in a joint Instagram post Saturday.

The post did not cite a cause of death, but Gilbert had battled adrenal cancer since 2021, and in February, underwent brain surgery after doctors found tumors.

"On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep," they wrote.

"He left this world surrounded by friends and family and took his final breaths with his wife and mother by his side, just as he wished." DUNCAN SHEIK, ‘BARELY BREATHING’ SINGER, DEAD AT 56 "We are devastated and shocked by how quickly he left us, yet so grateful for how peacefully and smoothly he went," they continued.

"The amount of visitors that crowded the hospital lobby at a moment’s notice is a testament to how beloved and cherished Chad was, and always will be.

He was a legendary musician, but his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father.

His biggest dreams came true.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa, his daughter, Lily, his mother, Jackie, and his brother, Brian." In their statement, New Found Glory, whose members include lead singer Jordan Pundik, bassist Ian Grushka and drummer Cyrus Bolooki, paid tribute to Gilbert’s lasting influence on the band and the deep personal bond that they shared.

"Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades," they wrote.

"Through more than a dozen albums, endless tours around the world, and more accolades than we ever could have imagined, Chad challenged all of us to grow as musicians, performers, and human beings." "While we are devastated to lose him, we are so grateful for the incredible life he lived, the memories we shared, and the brotherhood we had.

His influence will always be part of New Found Glory and his spirit will be felt on every stage we stand on, with every note we play." 'YOU'RE SO VAIN' SINGER CARLY SIMON SAYS PARKINSON'S AND CANCER DIAGNOSES KEPT HER FROM PUBLIC EYE "Rest in peace, Chad.

We love you forever," they concluded.