Chad Gilbert, the guitarist and co-founder of the influential pop-punk band New Found Glory, died on September 20, 2026, at the age of 45. His death followed a multi-year battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer that significantly impacted his health during his final years.
The musician’s health journey had been a matter of public record since December 2021, when he was first diagnosed with a rare adrenal gland tumor. Gilbert later confirmed in early 2026 that the condition had been identified as stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma.
Medical Challenges and Brain Surgery
The progression of Gilbert’s illness led to several critical medical interventions. In February 2026, Gilbert underwent emergency surgery to remove three tumors from his brain. The surgery was necessitated after he collapsed at home, leading doctors to discover that the cancer had metastasized. Despite the severity of the procedure and the ongoing nature of his treatment, Gilbert frequently shared updates with his followers, maintaining a transparent and often optimistic dialogue about his recovery efforts.
His battle with adrenocortical carcinoma—a rare disease that affects the outer layer of the adrenal glands—required numerous hospitalizations and aggressive treatments over a five-year period. Throughout this time, Gilbert continued to engage with the music community, occasionally performing and contributing to New Found Glory’s creative output when his health permitted.
Professional Legacy and Impact
Gilbert was a pivotal figure in the late-1990s and early-2000s music scene. He co-founded New Found Glory in Florida in 1997. The band went on to become one of the most recognizable names in pop-punk, known for hits like “My Friends Over You” and “Dress to Kill.” Gilbert’s songwriting and guitar work were instrumental in defining the genre’s fast-paced, melodic sound.
Before his tenure with New Found Glory, Gilbert served as the lead vocalist for the hardcore band Shai Hulud. His transition from hardcore to pop-punk demonstrated a versatility that helped bridge the gap between different facets of the alternative music world. He also found success as a producer, working with various artists to refine their sound within the scene he helped build.
Gilbert is survived by his wife, Lisa Cimorelli of the musical group Cimorelli, and their five-year-old daughter, Lily. The family and band have asked for privacy as they mourn the loss of a musician who remained a central figure in the alternative rock community for nearly three decades.
