Family reveals cause of Kelley Mack’s death at 33

Actress Kelley Mack, best known for her role as Addy in The Walking Dead, has died at the age of 33, with her family confirming she succumbed to a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Mack passed away on Saturday in her hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio.

The cause of Kelley Mack’s death, her family revealed, was glioma of the central nervous system, a type of malignant tumour affecting the brain and spinal cord.

Her agent, Julie Smith, confirmed the cause of Kelley Mack’s death in a statement to USA Today, noting that the actress had been fighting the illness with strength and grace since her diagnosis.

Mack, whose birth name was Kelley Klebenow, made a name for herself in television and independent film. Alongside her memorable performance in The Walking Dead season nine, she also appeared briefly in Chicago Med as Penelope Jacobs.

Her film credits include Mr. Manhattan, Broadcast Signal Intrusion, and Delicate Arch.

Her sister announced her passing in a heartfelt Instagram post on Tuesday. “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,” the post read.

The post went on to say that Mack died peacefully, surrounded by her closest family. “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.”

In January, Mack revealed she had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called diffuse midline glioma (DMG).

According to the Mayo Clinic, DMG “is a rare type of cancerous brain tumour. It’s most common in children between the ages of 5 and 10 years old, though it can also affect adults.”

The actress wrote via Instagram at the time, “Due to the biopsy surgery on my spinal cord, I have lost the use of my right leg and most of my left leg, so I now get around with a walker and a wheelchair.

“I am very grateful to have such a supportive and loving family and boyfriend, who have been with me every second of this process.

“I am determined and know that this will eventually be a short chapter in my long book.”

In March, Mack posted a positive update on social media, sharing a video of herself walking up the stairs.

“I’ve been up and down these stairs now 2x in the past few days. It’s a big deal for me,” she said.

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