Musician and wrestler Andrew Williams dies at 48 after collapsing at indie show
Andrew Williams, known as the rhythm guitarist for Every Time I Die and as the wrestler "The Butcher," died at age 48 following a collapse during a wrestling match in Pennsylvania.
Andrew Williams, 48, died after collapsing at the end of a professional wrestling match in Millvale, Pennsylvania, on Saturday night. Event promoter Enjoy Wrestling reported that on-site doctors performed CPR until an ambulance arrived and he was taken to a hospital. Williams was the longtime rhythm guitarist for metalcore band Every Time I Die, a role he held from the group's formation in 1998 until its breakup in 2022. He also performed as a professional wrestler under the moniker "The Butcher," appearing in All Elite Wrestling and other independent promotions. Born and raised near Buffalo, New York, Williams said he grew up expecting to work in a factory like his father and uncles. He later overcame learning disabilities, including dyslexia, to teach himself guitar. In a 2022 interview with Renee Paquette, he recalled the relief of finding a path outside his hometown expectations. In 2025, Williams formed the band Atomic Rule, releasing a demo EP and announcing plans for a tour with Gwar later in the year. Hours before his collapse, he posted a video on the band's Instagram saying they had finished writing new material and were preparing for the tour.
"Anyone who’s written a song can wrestle a wrestling match," Williams told the HardLore podcast, comparing the creative processes of music and wrestling. Former bandmates and wrestling colleagues issued tributes. Coheed and Cambria drummer Josh Eppard described Williams as a "kind giant" and noted his influence in heavy music. AEW talent Matt Hardy called him a "kind, funny & deep individual" and praised his dual-career achievements. RJ City, an AEW interviewer, highlighted Williams' intellect, while former AEW champion Willow Nightingale said he supported her confidence before she signed with the company. Wrestler Josh Alexander called Williams "one of the best people I ever met." Williams' death was confirmed by All Elite Wrestling, which posted a statement acknowledging his contributions to both music and wrestling.