Andy “The Butcher” Williams, a former AEW veteran and rhythm guitarist for the metal band Every Time I Die, passed away at the age of 48 on Saturday, September 5, 2026. According to the Millvale Police Department, Williams collapsed at Mr. Smalls Theatre following a tag team match for Enjoy Wrestling, with an official cause of death currently pending autopsy results from the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Emergency Response and Official Police Timeline
The sequence of events unfolded rapidly on Saturday evening at the Millvale venue. According to the Millvale Borough Police Department statement, officers were dispatched to Mr. Smalls Theatre at approximately 8:45 p.m. following reports that a wrestler had struck his head on a ring post. Two physicians already at the venue were attending to an unresponsive Williams when officers arrived.
Dispatch audio obtained by TMZ captured the frantic response from the venue, featuring calls for emergency assistance as police and EMS converged on the Mr. Smalls Funhouse Theatre. Shortly before Ross/West View EMS arrived, Williams stopped breathing. Medical staff initiated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and applied an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Life-saving measures continued as EMS transported Williams to Allegheny General Hospital. He was pronounced deceased at approximately 9:43 p.m. Investigating officers noted no visible signs of trauma and no indications of foul play at the scene.
Medical Insights and Community Impact
While the definitive cause of death remains pending, early indications from on-site medics pointed toward a cardiac event. Enjoy Wrestling Co-Owner Kurt Hackimer shared via social media reporting from Ricky Sayer that the symptoms Williams exhibited were consistent with a cardiac episode, though a final determination rests entirely with the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The tragedy sent shockwaves through both the professional wrestling and heavy music industries. Williams performed alongside his longtime tag team partner, The Blade, during the promotion’s “Five Years” event. The remainder of the card was cut short, and attendees were sent home as emergency responders transported Williams to the hospital.
Dual-Threat Career Legacy
Williams carved out a dual career across two entertainment sectors. In the wrestling ring, he was best known to fans as The Butcher in AEW, where he teamed with The Blade.
Outside the squared circle, Williams was a member and rhythm guitarist for the metal band Every Time I Die.
Summary of Verified Incident Details
| Detail Category | Recorded Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Saturday, September 5, 2026 |
| Venue | Mr. Smalls Theatre / Funhouse Theatre, Millvale, PA |
| Promotion | Enjoy Wrestling (“Five Years” event) |
| Hospital Transport | Allegheny General Hospital |
| Investigating Agency | Millvale Borough Police Department |
| Medical Examination | Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office (Pending) |
As the wrestling and music communities continue to process the loss, tributes have poured in from colleagues, bandmates, and fans honoring Williams’ contributions to both sports entertainment and heavy metal culture. Further updates regarding his passing will be released directly by the medical examiner’s office once examinations and associated testing conclude.
