Andy Williams, Every Time I Die Guitarist and Pro Wrestler, Dies at 48
Andy Williams, the founding guitarist of metalcore band Every Time I Die and professional wrestler known as “The Butcher”, has died at the age of 48.
Williams died after collapsing during a wrestling event in Millvale, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, September 5, 2026. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed his death. A specific official cause of death has not yet been released.
Williams was widely known across both the music and professional wrestling worlds. He co-founded Every Time I Die and later became a prominent wrestler, including a lengthy run with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) as part of the tag team The Butcher and The Blade.
Andy Williams Collapsed During Enjoy Wrestling Event
The medical emergency happened during an Enjoy Wrestling event at Mr. Smalls Theatre in Millvale, Pennsylvania. Williams was competing alongside his longtime tag-team partner Jesse “The Blade” Guilmette against TME.
According to reports from the event, Williams collapsed near the end of the match. Medical personnel immediately responded, and staff doctors administered CPR while emergency responders were called to the venue.
Williams was subsequently transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he died. Enjoy Wrestling ended the event following the incident and sent attendees home.
Enjoy Wrestling later expressed its condolences and gratitude to those who assisted Williams following the medical emergency.
What Happened to Andy Williams?
Reports indicate that Williams experienced a serious medical emergency shortly after the wrestling match. CBS Pittsburgh reported that Williams collapsed at ringside and that medical personnel performed CPR and used an automated external defibrillator before he was transported to the hospital.
The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office is responsible for determining the official cause and manner of death. As of the latest reports, no definitive cause of death had been publicly announced.
Andy Williams’ Career With Every Time I Die
Before becoming widely recognized as “The Butcher,” Williams established himself as a respected musician.
Williams was a founding member and rhythm guitarist of Every Time I Die, the influential Buffalo, New York, metalcore band formed in 1998. He remained with the group throughout its career and performed on all of the band's studio albums.
Every Time I Die released its final album, Radical, in 2021. The band subsequently broke up, bringing Williams’ long-running musical chapter with the group to an end.
From Every Time I Die to “The Butcher”
Williams later became a familiar face in professional wrestling under the name “The Butcher.” He formed a successful tag team with Jesse Guilmette, known as “The Blade.”
The duo eventually became associated with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where The Butcher and The Blade competed against some of the promotion's biggest teams.
Williams continued wrestling on the independent circuit after his AEW run, remaining active in professional wrestling while also continuing to pursue music.
Andy Williams and Atomic Rule
Following the breakup of Every Time I Die, Williams continued creating music through his newer project, Atomic Rule.
The band featured Williams alongside vocalist James Henderson, bassist Travis Bennington of Eternal Sleep, and former The Acacia Strain drummer Kevin Boutot.
Williams remained active with Atomic Rule in 2026. Shortly before his death, he shared that the band had completed writing and tracking demos for new material, teasing additional announcements and future plans.
Tributes Pour In for Andy “The Butcher” Williams
News of Williams’ death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from both the professional wrestling and music communities.
AEW remembered Williams as a “trailblazing musician” who successfully transitioned into professional wrestling and earned the respect of his peers in both industries.
Williams leaves behind a unique legacy spanning metalcore music and professional wrestling. From his years with Every Time I Die to his career as The Butcher, he became a recognizable figure in two very different entertainment worlds.
Andy Williams was 48 years old.
