Chad Gilbert, founding guitarist and backing vocalist of the pop-punk group New Found Glory, has died. He was 45.

The band and Gilbert’s wife Lisa Cimorelli confirmed his death on social media in a joint statement. “On the morning of September 20th, Chad Everett Gilbert passed away peacefully in his sleep,” reads the statement. “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.

“We are devastated and shocked by how quickly he left us, yet so grateful for how peacefully and smoothly he went. 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.”

A cause of death was not given, though Gilbert had been battling cancer for many years. In early 2026, he revealed to People that doctors had discovered three brain tumors and was diagnosed with adrenocortical carcinoma years after receiving treatment for a rare adrenal cancer.

As a founding member of New Found Glory, Gilbert played on all of the group’s albums beginning with their 1999 debut “Nothing Gold Can Stay” and through their 11th and most recent album, 2026’s “Listen Up!” Additionally, Gilbert performed in other groups including Shai Hulud and New Found Glory side project International Superheroes of Hardcore.

Gilbert was raised in Coral Springs, Florida, playing in several bands before forming New Found Glory in 1997 with Jordan Pundik, Steve Klein, Ian Grushka and Joe Marino, who was quickly replaced by Cyrus Bolooki. He dropped out of high school after 11th grade when New Found Glory signed to Drive-Thru Records and continued with the band for the subsequent decades.

Gilbert is survived by his wife Lisa, daughter Lily, mother Jackie and brother Brian.