Andy Williams, guitarist for Every Time I Die, has passed away following a wrestling match

Andy Williams, the founding guitarist of Every Time I Die, has passed away at the age of 48 after collapsing following an independent tag-team wrestling match on Saturday.

Andy Williams, the founding guitarist of the metalcore band Every Time I Die and a former wrestler with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), has passed away at the age of 48.

Williams, recognized as “The Butcher” throughout his professional wrestling career, passed away on Saturday night, September 5, after collapsing post an independent tag-team wrestling match in Pennsylvania.

Reports indicate that Williams collapsed hours after competing at an Enjoy Wrestling event held at Mr. Small’s Theater in Millvale, Pennsylvania.

The event promoter, Enjoy Wrestling, stated that they provided immediate medical attention to Williams at the venue.

Andy fell to the ground after finishing his match this evening. “Our doctors on staff attended to him right away, performing CPR until the ambulance arrived,” the promoter wrote on X.

A specific cause of death was not readily provided.

Williams had competed with his longtime wrestling partner, Jesse “The Blade” Guilmette, against TME at the event. Following the incident, the organizers canceled the program.

Before entering professional wrestling, Williams gained recognition as the founding rhythm guitarist of Every Time I Die, the metalcore band based in New York that he helped establish in 1998.

He stayed with the group until it disbanded in 2022 and contributed to all nine of its studio albums, including the last one, Radical, which was released in 2021.


Every Time I Die announced their breakup in early 2022 after the release of Radical, concluding a career that lasted over two decades.

Williams started his professional wrestling career in the 2010s while continuing to perform with the band. He became a part of AEW in 2019, adopting the ring name “The Butcher,” and continued his contract with the promotion until June 2026.

AEW honored Williams after the announcement of his passing, recognizing him as a pioneering musician who made a successful shift into professional wrestling.

“All Elite Wrestling is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Andy Williams, known as The Butcher,” the company stated.

Williams, a pioneering musician with ETID and Atomic Rule, successfully transitioned into the realm of professional wrestling, earning immense respect from his peers both inside and outside the ring. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Williams.

After the breakup of Every Time I Die, Williams became a member of Atomic Rule and continued to pursue his music career while also engaging in wrestling.

Shortly before his passing, he appeared in a video shared by Atomic Rule, disclosing that the band was in the process of creating new music.

Williams’ death signifies the passing of a musician who crafted a two-decade career with Every Time I Die before emerging as a notable figure in professional wrestling.