Former AEW Star Andy 'The Butcher' Williams dies aged 48
Andy Williams, nicknamed 'The Butcher', has died after he collapsed on stage in Pennsylvania yesterday (5 September) during a five year anniversary show for Enjoy Wrestling.
Williams was formerly a wrestler for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and was in the ring when he collapsed while he was fighting alongside his long term tag-team partner Jesse 'The Blade' Guilmette.
Posting on social media, Enjoy Wrestling had announced in a statement: "Andy collapsed at the end of his match this evening.
"Our doctors on staff tended to him immediately, administering CPR until the ambulance arrived. We sent everyone home and are at the hospital now waiting for more information.
"Thanks to everyone who helped and has reached out."
Sadly, it has since been confirmed that the 48-year-old wrestler has died, Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp penned a tribute saying: "Rest In Peace Andy Williams, aka the Butcher
"Sending all the love to his friends, family and fans."
TMZ were first to report the news of his death, saying Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office had confirmed to them that Williams had passed away during the night.
Steve Kaye, co-founder of Paragon Talent Group which represented the wrestler, said: "I’m broken this morning. We’ve repped Andy for about a year and a half and Andy and I spent hours upon hours on the phone in that time, talking life outside and after the ring.
"He had wonderful ideas and business plans, and he consistently impressed me with his creativity.
"He became a very good friend in the time we’ve worked together. Every phone call ended with him reminding me to take care of myself and give myself some grace.
"So today, I pray that Andy receives that same grace as he crosses to the next stage.
"Life is seldom fair, and losing one of the good ones will never cease being the worst feelings in the world.
"I’ll miss you a ton, Andy. I will miss our marathon phone calls and I promise, that I won’t let your ideas fall by the wayside, and your memory will always be a blessing."
Other tributes to Williams included one from WWE star Corey Graves, who posted a picture of them together with the broken heart emoji.
AEW wrestler Josh Alexander also paid tribute to his memory, saying: "Andy Williams was a musician and wrestler.
"He was one of the best people I ever met. Everytime we spoke I left the conversation better for it.
"I’ll remember Andy for what he was. A dude with an enormous heart that could always put a smile on my face.
"Rest in Peace brother."
Fellow former wrestler RJ City said: "Andy Williams was so smart and cultured that it made both his chosen careers all the more insane.
"He was the opposite of how he looked, we were lucky to know him."
Williams also co-founded the metal band Every Time I Die and was their lead guitarist, playing with them until 2021 when they played their final show.
LADbible Group has contacted Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office for further confirmation.
Joe Harker