Kelley Mack, best known for her role as Addy in season nine of “The Walking Dead,” is being remembered for her strength and unwavering spirit. The actor passed away at just 33 years old after a courageous fight with diffuse midline glioma, an aggressive cancer of the central nervous system.
Kelley’s Brave Battle With Cancer
Mack revealed in January that her symptoms began shortly after moving into a new apartment with her boyfriend, Logan. Initially experiencing back pain, her condition rapidly worsened.
âThe shooting pains in my legs and back began, which resulted in me having to sleep in a recliner for a month because laying down was too painful,â she wrote on Instagram.
An abnormal mass was later found on her spinal cord, leading to her diagnosis. Mack underwent proton radiation and frequently updated fans about her journey, sharing both her setbacks and milestones.
âA Big Deal for Meâ: Mackâs Stair-Climbing Victory
Despite losing use of her right leg and most of her left, Kelley continued to celebrate personal victories. In late March, she shared a heartwarming video of herself walking up and down stairs.
âIâve been up and down these stairs now 2x in the past few days,â she captioned the video. âItâs a big deal for me (Life has also had its ups and downs lately am I right lol).â
In the clip, Logan helps her navigate the steps, drawing cheers from friends who were present to support her. She continued working through her illness, promoting her film Universal alongside Inbetweeners actor Joe Thomas.
Tributes From Family & Friends
Kelley died on August 2 in Cincinnati, surrounded by loved ones. âIt is with indelible sadness that we are announcing the passing of our dear Kelley,â her family said in a statement. âSuch a bright, fervent light has transitioned to the beyond⦠Kelley has already come to many of her loved ones in the form of various butterflies.â
Her sister shared her heartbreak online, writing, âI’m so f**king proud of her.â A celebration of life will be held on August 16.
Kelley’s Family’s Tribute To Her Courage
The family chose to share a heartfelt two-page letter on the platform, offering a glimpse into who Mack truly was.
âKelley grew up in a close-knit family alongside her two younger siblings, including her brother, actor Parker Mack. Her vibrant spirit, creative passion, and dedication to storytelling left an indelible mark on those who knew her and the audiences she captivated through her work,â it stated. âKelleyâs love for storytelling blossomed at a young age when she received a mini video camera as a birthday gift.â
The letter dug deeper into how âKelley was known for her warmth, creativity, and unwavering support for those around her.â
âShe cherished time with her family and friends, finding joy in collaboration and storytelling. Her infectious enthusiasm and dedication to her work inspired countless others in the industry and beyond,â the letter noted. âBeyond her love for God, family and her career, Kelley enthusiastically enjoyed life.â
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