Andy Williams, Every Time I Die Guitarist and Wrestler ‘The Butcher,’ Dies at 48

Andy Williams, the founding guitarist of metalcore band Every Time I Die and professional wrestler known as “The Butcher,” has died at the age of 48.

Williams collapsed Saturday after finishing a tag team match at an Enjoy Wrestling event in Millvale, Pennsylvania. According to Enjoy Wrestling, doctors at the venue immediately began CPR before an ambulance arrived.

The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed Williams’ death, according to TMZ. A cause of death has not yet been announced.

Williams was a founding member of Every Time I Die, the influential Buffalo, New York, metalcore band formed in 1998. He played rhythm guitar throughout the band’s career and appeared on all nine of its studio albums. The band’s final album, Radical, was released in 2021 before Every Time I Die broke up in 2022.

But Williams’ career took an unexpected turn while he was still playing with the band. During the 2010s, he began training as a professional wrestler and started working independent shows while continuing his music career.

In 2019, he made his All Elite Wrestling debut as “The Butcher.” Known for his imposing presence and hard-hitting style, Williams became a familiar face to wrestling fans and often teamed with Jesse “The Blade” Guilmette. The two were partners in Saturday’s match, which became Williams’ final appearance in the ring.

Williams spent seven years with AEW and its sister promotion, Ring of Honor, before his run with the promotions ended in June 2026.

AEW paid tribute to Williams in a statement Sunday.

“All Elite Wrestling is saddened to learn of the passing of Andy Williams, aka The Butcher,” the company said. “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.”

The company extended its condolences to Williams’ family, friends and fans.

Music remained an important part of Williams’ life even after Every Time I Die ended. He later joined Atomic Rule, a band he worked with outside of wrestling.

In a heartbreaking detail, Williams had posted about Atomic Rule just hours before his death, telling fans that the band was working hard on new music.

His death marks the loss of a figure who built a career across two very different worlds. From the stages of metalcore venues to professional wrestling arenas, Williams earned a loyal following through his music, personality and presence in the ring.