Professional wrestler Andy Williams, known in the ring as “The Butcher,” has died at age 48 after collapsing during a match.
The All Elite Wrestling performer was in a tag-team match Friday at Mr. Small’s Theater in Pennsylvania.
Williams suffered a medical episode and collapsed in the ring alongside his partner Jesse “The Blade” Guilmette.
Witness Rich Fann described the terrifying moment when the wrestler appeared to lose his balance.
Fann recalled that Williams “seemed to be in a bit of dire straits” during the match’s finish.
He added that the wrestler “was a little wobbly” before dropping.
Guilmette quickly tried to assist Williams and called for help.
Fann also detailed the immediate response of the surrounding crowd and crew members.
Fann explained that “both the crew, the paramedics and the crowd worked in unison” to help.
Medical personnel provided “chest compressions, ice and then the AED” before boarding him.
Doctors pronounced the wrestler dead at the hospital, though officials have not determined the cause of death.
The Pittsburgh group Love Wrestling canceled the remaining show and posted “Butcher Forever” online.
Williams was also an accomplished musician who played rhythm guitar for the heavy-metal band Every Time I Die.
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