Gilbert's passing was peaceful, occurring in his sleep, surrounded by his loved ones, including his wife and mother, as he had wished. The outpouring of support at the hospital, as noted by Cimorelli, was a testament to his widespread adoration. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, their daughter Lily, his mother Jackie, and brother Brian.

His courageous fight against cancer began in 2021 with the removal of a pheochromocytoma cancerous tumor. This was followed by another operation in 2022 and chemotherapy treatments into 2023. In March, three brain tumors were discovered, leading to emergency surgery and the grim diagnosis of stage 4 adrenocortical carcinoma, a progression from his earlier metastatic pheochromocytoma.

Born on March 9, 1981, in Coral Springs, Florida, Chad Gilbert's musical journey began in 1997 when he co-founded New Found Glory. Alongside bandmates Jordan Pundik, Steve Klein, Ian Grushka, and Joe Moreno, Gilbert quickly propelled the band into the spotlight. He famously left high school after the eleventh grade, a decision validated when New Found Glory signed with Drive-Thru Records, leading to their seminal debut album, Nothing Gold Can Stay, in 1999.

Beyond his pivotal role in New Found Glory, Gilbert was a versatile musician and producer. He lent his talents to the band Shai Hulud and released solo material under the moniker What’s Eating Gilbert. His production credits include notable acts like A Day to Remember and H2O, showcasing his impact across various facets of the music scene.

In a joint statement, his wife Lisa Cimorelli and the band celebrated his indelible legacy. Cimorelli remarked, "Chad’s guitar playing, songwriting, humor, and relentless drive helped shape New Found Glory for nearly three decades." She further highlighted his personal priorities, stating, "He was a legendary musician, but his favorite accomplishment was being a husband and father." The band added that Gilbert "challenged all of us to grow as musicians, performers, and human beings," and that "His influence will always be part of New Found Glory."

Chad Gilbert's impact on pop-punk and the wider music community is undeniable. His contributions as a musician, songwriter, and producer, combined with his enduring spirit, leave a lasting void but also a rich legacy for generations of fans and artists.