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Police Open Criminal Investigation After Wrestler Andy Williams Dies

9/8/2026

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Summary

Police Investigate

Police in Millvale opened a criminal investigation into Williams’s death.
The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office said the autopsy will determine the official cause of death.
Enjoy Wrestling co-owner Kurt Hackimer reported on-site doctors performed CPR and used an AED before the ambulance arrived.
The promotion halted the event after the collapse.
The promotion cleared the arena and instructed the audience to leave.

Summary

The Butcher Dies

Andy Williams, known as The Butcher, collapsed during a Millvale wrestling match and later died.
The collapse occurred at the end of his tag-team bout for Enjoy Wrestling on September 5, 2026.
Doctors performed CPR and used an AED before transporting him to a hospital where he died.
Hours before his death, Williams announced Atomic Rule finished new music and a GWAR tour was planned.

Summary

Wrestlers Mourn

Cody Rhodes said he brought The Butcher into AEW, praising his intelligence and warmth.
Will Ospreay posted a simple “Butcher” tribute on X the day after Williams’s collapse.
CM Punk shared an Instagram Story with a photo of Williams and a heart emoji.
Adam Pearce tweeted “Godspeed” to Williams and veteran Bill Dundee in a condolence message.
Matt Cardona lamented Williams’s shaved head, saying it made his action figure inaccurate.

History

Historical Context

On May 23 1999, Owen Hart fell 78 feet from the rafters of Kemper Arena in Kansas City during WWF’s Over the Edge PPV, dying from internal injuries. The tragedy led the Hart family to sue the WWF, resulting in an $18 million settlement and the retirement of the Over the Edge name. The incident spurred promoters and venues to tighten aerial-stunt safety protocols.

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Police Investigate

Police in Millvale opened a criminal investigation into Williams’s death.
The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office said the autopsy will determine the official cause of death.
Enjoy Wrestling co-owner Kurt Hackimer reported on-site doctors performed CPR and used an AED before the ambulance arrived.
The promotion halted the event after the collapse.
The promotion cleared the arena and instructed the audience to leave.

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