Maya Georgi
Contact Maya Georgi on X Contact Maya Georgi by Email View all posts by Maya Georgi September 23, 2026 Add us as a Google Preferred Source
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Chad Gilbert and Hayley Williams in 2010 Christopher Polk/Getty Images for PCA Hayley Williams has shared a statement about ex-husband Chad Gilbert, following the New Found Glory founding member and lead guitarist’s death on Sunday from brain cancer.
“Have not known what to say or if it’s appropriate. But I feel sure now that I want to [because] life is made of the paths we cross and the reasons we cross them are infinite,” Williams began in an Instagram story. “Chad is indeed a legend in the scene and my time connected to him taught me a lot. He introduced me to people that continue to shape my life in beautiful ways, and to music and culture that has made life a lot richer,” she added.
Williams continued: “There isn’t much that hasn’t already been said about what he contributed to the musical world a lot of us grew up in. His influence and attitude guided the genre forward. His passion for fostering the community was inspiring and sticks with me. I will forever be grateful that from him I gained a deeper understanding and a reverence for the community and the culture of hardcore. Sending love and my sympathies to his family, NFG fam, and all his friends.”
