American actress Kelley Mack, known for her appearances in The Walking Dead and Chicago Med, has died at the age of 33.
Born Kelley Klebenow, she passed away on Saturday in Cincinnati, Ohio, her hometown. News of her passing was shared publicly on Wednesday through a statement released on her official Instagram account, @itskelleymack.
“It is with indelible sadness that we are announcing the passing of our dear Kelley.
“Such a bright, fervent light has transitioned to the beyond, where we all eventually must go.
“Kelley passed peacefully on Saturday evening with her loving mother Kristen and steadfast aunt Karen present.
“Kelley has already come to many of her loved ones in the form of various butterflies.
“She will be missed by so many to depths that words cannot express.
“Kelley’s Caringbridge link in her bio includes the 2-page formal announcement with information on her upcoming life celebration in Ohio on August 16th.
“She would want you all to know how much she loves you.
Read also: US Mission: Citizenship Birth Travel Now Illegal
“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 fucking proud of her,” the statement read.
Mack’s acting career began at a young age and flourished with appearances in high-profile television shows and commercials.
She gained recognition for her role as Addy in AMC’s The Walking Dead and later played Penelope Jacobs in NBC’s Chicago Med.
In addition to her on-screen performances, she also built a strong presence in voice-over work and featured in campaigns for major commercial brands.
In early January 2025, Kelley Mack revealed through a heartfelt Instagram post that she had been diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma—a rare and aggressive form of astrocytoma cancer. Her diagnosis followed months of persistent back pain and mobility issues in her legs.
She shared that complications from a spinal cord biopsy had resulted in partial paralysis, leaving her reliant on both a walker and a wheelchair for movement.
A memorial service in her memory is scheduled to take place on August 16 at the Glendale Lyceum in Glendale, Ohio. Additionally, a separate celebration of her life is being planned in Los Angeles, where colleagues and fans will gather to honour her contributions to the entertainment industry.