AEW talent, Andy Williams, has died at 48, as tributes have poured in for the widely admired professional wrestler
WWE legend Matt Hardy has led tributes after former AEW star Andy Williams died at the age of 48.
The professional wrestler, who went under the moniker of ‘The Butcher’, took part in a tag-team match in Philadelphia alongside partner, ‘The Blade,’ on Saturday evening as part of Enjoy Wrestling.
Medical assistants were called upon to perform CPR when the Buffalo-born athlete collapsed, before he was rushed to hospital in an ambulance.
A statement from the promotion read: “Andy collapsed at the end of his match this evening. Our doctors on staff tended to him immediately, administering CPR until the ambulance arrived.”
TMZ have since reported that Williams has died, having received the saddening news from the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Now, tributes have poured in online for the former wrestler, with WWE star Hardy sharing an emotional statement.
He said: “Saddened & shocked to hear about the passing of Andy Williams. Andy was a joy to work with – He was a kind, funny & deep individual who was an extremely talented musician & wrestler.
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“My thoughts & prayers go out to all of Andy’s family, friends & fans. RIP brother.”
AEW also wrote: “All Elite Wrestling is saddened to learn of the passing of Andy Williams, aka The Butcher.
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“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.”
AEW athlete, Josh Alexander, meanwhile, said: “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.”
Long before debuting in the squared circle in professional wrestling, Williams carved out a successful career as a musician – forming American metalcore band, Every Time I Die, in 1998 alongside Keith and Jordan Buckley.
The band, who were signed to Goodfellow, Ferret, Epitaph and Undecided, released nine studio albums before splitting in 2022.