New Found Glory co-founder, guitarist dies following cancer diagnosis

(Gray News) - New Found Glory lead guitarist and co-founder Chad Gilbert has died following a battle with cancer. He was 45.

Gilbert’s bandmates and wife, Lisa Cimorelli, announced his death in an Instagram post Sunday, saying he passed away peacefully in his sleep.

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

Gilbert was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and had begun performing again three months ago in a motorized scooter after emergency brain surgery, PEOPLE reported.

New Found Glory was founded in 1997. Gilbert was credited with writing hits like “My Friends Over You” and “Head on Collision.”

“Through more than a dozen albums, endless tours around the world, and more accolades than we ever could have imagined, Chad challenged all of us to grow as musicians, performers, and human beings,” his death announcement read.

Surviving Gilbert are his wife and daughter, Lily; mother, Jackie; and brother, Brian.