Andy Williams, the towering rhythm guitarist for the influential metalcore band Every Time I Die and professional wrestler known to All Elite Wrestling fans as “The Butcher,” has died at the age of 48. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed his passing following a sudden medical emergency during an independent wrestling event at Mr. Smalls Theatre in Millvale, Pennsylvania.
According to reports, Williams was participating in a tag-team match alongside his long-time partner Jesse Guilmette (known in the ring as “The Blade”) against TME during Enjoy Wrestling’s anniversary show. Near the conclusion of the bout, Williams’ legs buckled, and he collapsed in the ring area. Medical personnel on site immediately responded and administered CPR before paramedics transported him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The remainder of the event was promptly canceled as fans and performers were sent home.
Following the news of his death, AEW issued an official statement honoring his unique legacy across both entertainment worlds:
“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.“
Tributes also poured in from across the music and wrestling communities, highlighting Williams’ character and generosity off-stage. Steve Kaye, co-founder of Paragon Talent Group, remembered his close connection with the performer:
“I’m broken this morning. We’ve repped Andy for about a year and a half, and Andy and I spent hours upon hours on the phone in that time, talking life outside and after the ring. He had wonderful ideas and business plans, and he consistently impressed me with his creativity. He became a very good friend in the time we’ve worked together. Every phone call ended with him reminding me to take care of myself and give myself some grace. So today, I pray that Andy receives that same grace as he crosses to the next stage. Life is seldom fair, and losing one of the good ones will never cease being the worst feelings in the world. I’ll miss you a ton, Andy.”
Pro wrestler Josh Alexander similarly reflected on Williams’ impact as a human being:
“Every time we spoke I left the conversation better for it. I’ll remember Andy for what he was. A dude with an enormous heart that could always put a smile on my face. Rest in Peace brother.”
Before stepping into the national wrestling spotlight, Williams made a permanent mark on modern heavy music. Co-founding Every Time I Die in Buffalo, New York, in 1998, he anchored the band’s rhythm guitar section for over two decades until their dissolution in 2022. His aggressive riffing, relentless touring ethic, and imposing presence became foundational to the 2000s metalcore boom.
Up until his passing, Williams remained deeply passionate about making heavy music, recently forming the metalcore project Atomic Rule alongside former members of Eternal Sleep and The Acacia Strain. His dual success as a hardcore music pioneer and a major-promotion pro wrestler made him a beloved, singular figure who bridged two passionately distinct subcultures.
Photo courtesy of social media
