The widow of former Every Time I Die guitarist Andy Williams has shared an emotional message following his death, revealing plans are underway for a “big memorial” celebrating his life.
Hana DeVore addressed the enormous response to Williams’ passing in a video shared on social media, thanking friends and fans for continuing to post their memories, photos and footage of the musician and professional wrestler.
“Please keep sharing stories, photos, videos. Please, because it’s legitimately keeping me alive right now just being able to see him and hear the voice.”
Williams died aged 48 on September 5th after collapsing following a match at an Enjoy Wrestling event in Millvale, Pennsylvania.
As reported yesterday, Enjoy Wrestling co-owner Kurt Hackimer subsequently provided further details about the medical emergency. Hackimer said Williams collapsed at ringside and struck his head, with medics at the venue indicating his symptoms were consistent with a cardiac event.
Kindness away from wrestling and music
An official cause of death remains pending the results of an autopsy, DeVore said she had initially planned to stay away from social media while spending time with people close to Williams, but changed her mind after seeing the volume of memories being shared (per Loudwire).
“I only had him for almost nine years, and so many of you guys knew him for decades, and the stories are incredible. And I feel like I knew him so well, but I feel like I know him so much better now, and it’s because of you guys and these stories.”
She also reflected on Williams’ reputation for kindness away from music and wrestling.
“I love to hear how he helped you guys and how he just wanted to make everyone’s day a little bit brighter, and that is literally what our life was like,” she said. “That is what he was like on a daily basis with everyone.”
Details surrounding the planned memorial, including its date and location, have not yet been announced. DeVore said she intends to return to Williams’ hometown of Buffalo in the coming weeks and will attend the memorial.
“We’ll all just be together and we’ll all just try to spread love like he did… I don’t know how we’re going to be in this world without him. I really don’t, but if we stick together and we just keep giving love like he did, I think we can do it.”
Williams was a founding member of Every Time I Die and later became known to wrestling audiences as The Butcher. Tributes have continued across both communities since his passing.
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