“Walking Dead” Actress Kelley Mack D**s at 33 After Brave Health Battle
Kelley Mack, known for her role on The Walking Dead, passed away on August 2, 2025, in Cincinnati. She had just turned 33 on July 10. Her family announced her death on CaringBridge and her Instagram, sharing a heartfelt statement written by her sister, Kathryn.
Family Shares Heartbreaking Details
Kathryn revealed that Kelley “passed peacefully on Saturday evening” with her mother Kristen and aunt Karen by her side. She called Kelley “a bright, fervent light” who will be deeply missed. The family disclosed Kelley’s battle with glioma, a rare and aggressive brain ca**er affecting the central nervous system.
What Is Glioma?
Glioma begins in the brain or spinal cord and forms t*mors that press on nearby tissues. While some grow slowly, malignant gliomas spread rapidly and invade healthy brain cells. Kelley faced one of the most challenging forms — diffuse midline glioma.
A Life Remembered
Born Kelley Lynne Klebenow in Cincinnati, she later lived in Wyoming, Ohio, and Illinois. She graduated from Hinsdale Central High School in 2010 and earned a cinematography degree from Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film in 2014. For 11 years, Kelley built a solid career in Los Angeles.
Kelley Mack smiles while being pushed in a wheelchair during her health battle, as posted on January 3, 2025 | Source: Instagram/itskelleymack
Career Highlights
Kelley was best known for playing Addy in The Walking Dead (2018-2019). Her credits also include Chicago Med, Broadcast Signal Intrusion, and working on Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. She appeared in 9-1-1, The AM Archives, Vincent, Violet, and Universal.
Publicly Documenting Her Fi.ght
Early in 2025, Kelley shared her health journey on Instagram. After months of back pain and leg issues, an MRI on Thanksgiving Eve revealed an abnormal spinal cord mass. She was diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma and underwent biopsy surgery, which caused loss of use in her right leg and most of her left. Kelley then used a walker and wheelchair.
Despite her condition, Kelley expressed gratitude for her “supportive and loving family and boyfriend” and said the experience strengthened her faith.
Treatment and Positivity
Kelley began proton radiation treatment in Cincinnati on January 13, 2025. She described the process humorously, comparing it to filming a sci-fi scene. By February, she felt “very positive overall,” balancing treatment with physical therapy, recording voice-overs, and spending time with family and friends.
Final Months and Legacy
After completing radiation in March, Kelley spent time in Florida with loved ones. She acknowledged the challenges but appreciated the support keeping her grounded. She celebrated small victories, like climbing stairs again, even as her recovery included “ups and downs.”
Her d**th marks a sad moment in the entertainment world, coming during a week of notable losses.
Memorial Services
Kelley is survived by her sister Kathryn, parents Kristen and Lindsay Klebenow, brother Parker, grandparents Lois and Larry Klebenow, and boyfriend Logan Lanier. A remembrance service is scheduled for August 16 at the Glendale Lyceum in Glendale, Ohio. A celebration of her life will follow in Los Angeles.
