Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 6, 2025 · Entertainment

Tragic Loss: Kelley Mack, The Walking Dead Star, Dies at 33

The Walking Dead actress Kelley Mack has died at the age of 33. Mack passed away on August 2 following a battle with cancer, her family announced on Instagram on Tuesday

SHOCKING CELEBRITY DEATH ROCKS THE NATION: Kelley Mack, Rising Star of The Walking Dead, Passes Away at 33

In a devastating blow to fans and loved ones alike, rising star Kelley Mack has passed away at the age of 33 after a courageous battle with cancer. The news of her untimely death has left the entertainment industry reeling, as the talented actress had been gaining popularity for her breakout role as Addy on The Walking Dead's ninth season.

Kelley Mack, whose real name was Kelley Lynne Klebenow, had been diagnosed with glioma of the central nervous system in 2024. Her family shared a heart-wrenching statement on Instagram, revealing that she passed away peacefully on August 2nd, surrounded by her loving mother Kristen and aunt Karen.

Mack (R) scored her most prominent role during her lifetime as Addy on The Walking Dead's ninth season, which aired from 2018 to 2019; pictured with (L–R) Jackson Pace and Joe Ando-Hirsch

The announcement was met with an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow actors alike, who took to social media to pay tribute to the late actress. "It's with indelible sadness that we are announcing the passing of our dear Kelley," her family wrote on Instagram. "Such a bright, fervent light has transitioned to the beyond, where we all eventually must go."

Mack's family shared a series of emotional posts on CaringBridge, detailing her harrowing journey with cancer. In January, she revealed that she had first noticed symptoms in September 2024, initially attributing them to a slipped disc. However, as the pain persisted and worsened, Mack underwent an emergency MRI, which revealed an "abnormal mass" on her spinal cord.

The diagnosis of diffuse midline glioma, a rare form of cancer, came as a devastating blow to the young actress and her loved ones. Despite her valiant efforts to fight the disease, Mack's health continued to decline, forcing her to undergo treatment and adapt to a new way of life.

'It is with indelible sadness that we are announcing the passing of our dear Kelley,' her family wrote in a post shared to her Instagram account. 'Such a bright, fervent light has transitioned to the beyond, where we all eventually must go'; pictured in 2021 in Chicago

Mack's family has asked that donations be made in lieu of flowers, with proceeds going towards brain cancer research and awareness initiatives. A celebration of life ceremony will be held on August 16th at Glendale, Ohio, where friends, family, and fans can come together to pay their respects to the late actress.

In a raw and emotional statement, Mack's sister wrote: "And as her sister, I want you all to know how brave that tough SOB was, especially when she decided to make the leap to be reunited with God. I'm so f*ing proud of her."

As news of Mack's passing spread like wildfire, fans took to social media to share their favorite memories and tributes to the late actress. "Kelley was a shining star in every sense of the word," wrote one fan. "Her courage and resilience in the face of adversity inspired us all."

A statement posted to Mack's Instagram page and penned by her sister said she died on Saturday with her 'mother Kristen and steadfast aunt Karen present'; seen in October 2021 in Chicago

The loss of Kelley Mack serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of cancer awareness and research. As we mourn her passing, let us also honor her legacy by supporting initiatives that aim to combat this devastating disease.

A Timeline of Kelley Mack's Journey with Cancer

  • September 2024: Mack first notices symptoms of what would later be diagnosed as glioma
  • January 2025: Mack reveals on Instagram that she has been battling cancer, sharing a photo from her hospital bed and detailing her diagnosis
  • February-March 2025: Mack undergoes treatment and adapts to life with a rare form of cancer
  • August 2nd, 2025: Kelley Mack passes away peacefully at the age of 33

In January, Mack revealed on Instagram that she had first noticed symptoms of what was later diagnosed as a rare form of cancer in September 2024; pictured in October 2021 in LA

Rest in peace, Kelley. Your shining light will never be forgotten.

The actress shared a photo of herself in a hospital bed and recounted how her shooting back and leg pain forced her to 'sleep in a recliner for a month because laying down was too painful'