Police have now laid out exactly what happened when Andy Williams collapsed during his final wrestling match — including when officers arrived, when he stopped breathing and the time he was pronounced dead.
The Millvale Borough Police Department issued a statement to POST Wrestling following the death of Williams, better known to wrestling fans as The Butcher, at age 48. Police said officers were called to Mr. Smalls Theatre at approximately 8:45 p.m. on September 5 after being told a wrestler had struck his head on a ring post.
“At approximately 8:45 p.m. on Saturday September 5th, 2026, Millvale Borough Police officers were dispatched to Mr. Smalls Theatre for a report of a male wrestler who had struck his head on a ring post during a wrestling event.”
When officers got inside, Williams was already unresponsive and being treated by two doctors who were working with the wrestling promotion. Then his condition got even worse. Police said Williams stopped breathing shortly before EMS arrived, forcing doctors to begin CPR and use an AED.
“Upon arrival, officers located Andy Williams unresponsive and being attended to by two physicians who were at the venue with the wrestling organization. Shortly before the arrival of Ross/West View EMS, Williams stopped breathing. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was initiated, and an automated external defibrillator (AED) was applied.”
EMS continued trying to save Williams before rushing him to Allegheny General Hospital. Police confirmed Williams was pronounced dead at approximately 9:43 p.m.
“Upon the arrival of Ross/West View EMS, life-saving measures were continued. Williams was transported by EMS to Allegheny General Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at approximately 9:43 p.m.”
That timeline lines up with the 9:43 p.m. time of death that surfaced following Williams’ passing, while giving the clearest official account yet of what first responders encountered inside the venue. Police also addressed the head impact that had become a major question after 911 dispatch audio revealed Williams had struck his head. Despite the initial call involving a head strike, officers said they found no visible signs of trauma and nothing that suggested foul play.
“There were no visible signs of trauma and no indications of foul play observed by investigating officers.”
That still doesn’t answer what caused Williams to collapse. Police confirmed that an autopsy has now been performed by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office, but the official cause and manner of death remain pending while officials wait on the examination and additional testing.
“The official cause and manner of death remains pending. An autopsy has been performed by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the final determination will be made pending the results of the examination and any associated testing.”
The department also offered its condolences to everyone affected by Williams’ sudden death. Police made it clear they won’t be putting out any more information about what actually killed Williams until the medical examiner finishes the job.
“The Millvale Borough Police Department extends its condolences to Mr. Williams’ family, friends, colleagues, and the many members of the wrestling and music communities affected by his passing.”
“No further information regarding the cause of death will be released until the appropriate medical examiner’s findings are available.”
Williams collapsed after his match and received CPR before being rushed away by ambulance. The latest police statement finally puts an official timeline on those terrifying minutes, but the biggest question remains unanswered — exactly what caused a 48-year-old Williams to suddenly collapse and die.
What do you make of the new details released by Millvale Police about Andy Williams’ final moments? Leave your thoughts and condolences in the comments.
