Professional wrestler and heavy-metal musician Andy “The Butcher” Williams died at age 48 after suffering a medical emergency during a tag-team match on Friday, according to reports from TMZ. Williams, a pro with All Elite Wrestling, collapsed in the ring while competing at Mr. Small’s Theater in Millvale, Pennsylvania.
### In-Ring Collapse and Medical Response in Millvale
Williams was participating in a match alongside his longtime tag-team partner, Jesse “The Blade” Guilmette, representing the promotion Enjoy Wrestling. Witness Rich Fann told POST Wrestling that Williams appeared wobbly toward the finish of the bout before going down.
“Once they saw, both the crew, the paramedics and the crowd worked in unison,” Fann told POST Wrestling, describing how bystanders cleared a path and administered chest compressions, ice, and an automated external defibrillator.
According to a representative for the Pittsburgh-based Love Wrestling organization, medical personnel provided CPR in the ring before rushing Williams to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Organizers canceled the remainder of the event following the incident. Dispatch audio from the 911 call indicated Williams hit his head during the match, while officials with the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed his death on Saturday. As of Sunday, authorities had not yet determined an official cause of death.
### Dual Career in Professional Wrestling and Heavy Metal
Beyond his wrestling persona, Williams built a career as the rhythm guitarist for the heavy-metal band Every Time I Die. He also performed with the musical act Atomic Rule, according to an official statement released by All Elite Wrestling.
Williams transitioned into professional wrestling in the early 2010s, making his in-ring debut in 2016 and competing extensively on the independent circuit. In late 2019, he debuted in All Elite Wrestling as “The Butcher,” frequently appearing alongside tag partner The Blade and The Bunny. During his tenure with AEW, Williams faced top competitors including Jon Moxley, Darby Allin, Dustin Rhodes, and Matt and Jeff Hardy. His contract with the promotion expired in June, with his final televised match airing on February 19, 2025, on an episode of Collision against Gabe Kidd.
### Wrestling Community Shares Tributes
Following the announcement of his death, figures across the professional wrestling industry shared statements honoring Williams.
All Elite Wrestling released a statement on social media, writing: “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.”
Wrestler Matt Hardy posted on social media that Williams was “a kind, funny & deep individual who was an extremely talented musician & wrestler.” Fellow performer Athena Palmer shared similar sentiments, writing that Williams was always kind and exchanged food recipes, while Sammy Guevara noted that despite his large stature and extensive tattoos, Williams consistently displayed warmth and kindness behind the scenes.