Every Time I DieFormer Every Time I Die guitarist Andy Williams – also known by his professional wrestling name The Butcher – has passed away. He was 48.
TMZ confirmed his passing with the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office after the guitarist and wrestler suffered a medical emergency in the ring on Saturday (5 September). He died later that night – no cause of death has been confirmed.
POST Wrestling reports that on Saturday, Williams competed against his tag team partner, Jesse “The Blade” Guilmette, against TME during an event celebrating Enjoy Wrestling’s fifth anniversary at Mr Smalls Theatre in Millvale, Pennsylvania.
An eyewitness, Rich Fann, said that Williams appeared to struggle towards the conclusion of the match. He collapsed in the ring, and Guilmette attempted to help before seeking assistance.
Medical staff in the room performed chest compressions and reportedly used an AED as well as CPR until an ambulance arrived. The remainder of the event was cancelled.
Williams’ wrestling career began over a decade ago, with the star making his way through the independent circuit before making his All Elite Wrestling (AEW) debut as The Butcher in November 2019. His contract with the company expired in June 2026.
In addition to his wrestling career, Williams was a successful musician. In 1998, he co-founded the American metalcore band Every Time I Die alongside lead guitarist Jordan Buckley and drummer Michael Novak.
He performed on every album and tour until the band disbanded in January 2022. Following Every Time I Die’s disbandment, Williams joined the band Atomic Rule.
Every Time I Die were set to join Parkway Drive on tour across Australia in June 2020 – a run of shows that was later rescheduled to July 2021 – but unfortunately, the tour was cancelled due to the ongoing restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hatebreed were also set to appear on the tour.
Musicians and wrestlers are paying tribute to Williams, remarking on his kind sensibility and multitude of talents.
Members of bands including Norma Jean, The Callous Daoboys, Anthrax, Motionless In White, and more shared touching tributes, as did wrestlers Matt Hardy, Paige, Josh Alexander, and the promotion company All Elite Wrestling. You can see more posts for Williams here.
