Andrew “Andy” Williams, the professional wrestler known to fans as “The Butcher” and a founding guitarist for the heavy metal band Every Time I Die, has died at the age of 48. Williams passed away on Saturday night, September 5, 2026, after experiencing a sudden medical emergency during an independent wrestling event in Millvale, Pennsylvania.
His death was confirmed on Sunday by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Emergency at Pennsylvania Event
Williams was competing alongside his longtime tag-team partner, Jesse Guilmette (“The Blade”), in a match against TME at Enjoy Wrestling’s five-year anniversary event at Mr. Smalls Theatre. Toward the conclusion of the bout, Williams’ legs buckled and he collapsed in the ring area.
On-site medical staff immediately rushed to the ring and initiated CPR. Arriving paramedics continued chest compressions and used an automated external defibrillator before transporting Williams by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Enjoy Wrestling canceled the remainder of the anniversary show immediately following the medical evacuation and sent attendees home.
Dual Legacy in Music and Professional Wrestling
Before entering professional wrestling full-time, Williams spent over two decades as the rhythm guitarist for the Buffalo, New York-based metalcore band Every Time I Die, which he co-founded in 1998. He remained a cornerstone of the group across all nine of their studio albums until the band broke up in early 2022.
In recent months, Williams had launched a new heavy music project, Atomic Rule. Hours before his collapse on Saturday, he had posted a video to social media expressing excitement about a productive week tracking demo material for new releases.
Williams began training for professional wrestling in the early 2010s and made his ring debut in 2015. In 2019, he and Guilmette debuted in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as “The Butcher and The Blade,” building a strong fan following with their imposing presence and physical style. Over his decade-long wrestling career, Williams also performed for Ring of Honor (ROH), Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling, and numerous independent promotions across North America.
Tributes Pour In Across Wrestling and Music Communities
Following news of his passing, All Elite Wrestling issued an official statement honoring his dual accomplishments:
“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.”
Performers and peers across both industries posted heartfelt tributes:
- CM Punk: Shared a tribute on social media remembering his former AEW colleague.
- Dustin Rhodes: Recalled a 2020 tag match, describing Williams as “one of the kindest people I have ever met, with a pure heart and soul.”
- Josh Alexander: Remembered Williams as “a dude with an enormous heart that could always put a smile on my face.”
- Steve Kaye (Paragon Talent Group): Highlighted Williams’ warmth and ambition, writing, “He had wonderful ideas and business plans, and he consistently impressed me with his creativity… Losing one of the good ones will never cease being the worst feeling in the world.”
An official cause of death has not yet been announced pending an autopsy by the medical examiner.
Never Miss a Story: Join Our Newsletter
