Andy Williams, the professional wrestler known as The Butcher and guitarist for bands Every Time I Die and Atomic Rule, has passed away at 48.
The former AEW wrestler passed away on Saturday (September 5) after experiencing a medical emergency during a wrestling match in Pennsylvania.
Hours before the medical emergency, Andy appeared in a video excitedly discussing his future plans, including new music and an upcoming tour.
Andy Williams Collapsed During a Wrestling Match
Andy was competing alongside longtime tag team partner The Blade against TME at an Enjoy Wrestling event at Mr. Small’s Theater in Millvale, Penn., when he collapsed near the end of the match.
“Andy collapsed at the end of his match this evening. Our doctors on staff tended to him immediately, administering CPR until the ambulance arrived,” Enjoy Wrestling said in a statement.
“We sent everyone home and are at the hospital now waiting for more information. Thanks to everyone who helped and has reached out.”
The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed to TMZ that Andy passed away Saturday night following the medical emergency.
Dispatch audio obtained byTMZ indicated that a male wrestler had “hit his head” during the match. Another dispatch requested emergency lifting assistance while police and EMS were already at the venue.
A cause has not been publicly disclosed at this time.
AEW released a statement on Sunday (September 6) mourning Andy, remembering him as a “trailblazing musician” who successfully transitioned into professional wrestling and was highly respected by his peers.
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. – All Elite Wrestling
Andy Williams Shared His Future Plans Hours Earlier
Just hours before the medical emergency, Andy appeared in a video shared on Atomic Rule‘s social media account discussing what he had planned for the band.
In the video, the guitarist revealed that the band had just completed a week of writing and recording demos in Pittsburgh.
He also promoted Atomic Rule‘s upcoming tour dates with GWAR in November and December and teased that the group had additional plans that had not yet been announced.
The video was posted just hours before Andy‘s medical emergency later that day.
In addition to his wrestling career, Andy was a founding guitarist for Every Time I Die, remaining with the influential metalcore group until its 2022 breakup. He later played guitar with Atomic Rule.
He made his AEW debut as The Butcher in 2019 alongside The Blade and became a familiar face in the promotion’s tag-team division. His AEW contract reportedly expired earlier this year.
Our thoughts are with Andy‘s loved ones at this difficult time. We have sadly lost several stars in 2026.
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