Andy Williams, the professional wrestler and musician best known as “The Butcher,” has died at 48 following a medical emergency during a match in Pennsylvania.
According to the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office, Williams died on Saturday night after becoming ill during an Enjoy Wrestling event at Mr. Small’s Theater in the city of Millvale. Williams had been wrestling alongside his longtime tag-team partner, The Blade, when he collapsed near the end of their match, according to TMZ and others. The event was subsequently canceled and attendees were sent home.
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Enjoy Wrestling said Williams received immediate medical attention at the venue, including CPR, before an ambulance transported him to a hospital. The organization also thanked those who rushed to his aid. Sadly, it was not enough — and Williams perished due to the medical incident.
That is so, so, so sad.
Williams became widely known to wrestling fans through his prior career with All Elite Wrestling, where he performed as The Butcher alongside The Blade. But wrestling was only one part of his creative career: He was also the rhythm guitarist for the heavy metal band Every Time I Die and, also performed music during his career with Atomic Rule.
All Elite Wrestling released a statement Sunday morning mourning Williams’ death. The wrestling outfit said:
“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.”
TMZ also obtained dispatch audio from the emergency response. In one call, an operator reported that a male wrestler had “hit his head” during the match and struck a ring post. Another call requested ’emergent lifting assistance’ while police and EMS were already at the venue.
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While the dispatch audio offers additional details about the frightening incident, an official cause of death has not been released.
But again, like we noted, Williams leaves behind a legacy spanning music and professional wrestling, with fans and fellow performers now mourning a performer who made his mark in both worlds. Such a sad, sad end.
Rest in peace…
[Image via AEW Wrestling/YouTube]
