Summary
- Name: Kelley Lynne Klebahn (professionally Kelley Mack)
- Age: 33 (born July 10, 1992 – died August 2, 2025)
- Cause: Diffuse midline glioma, a rare and aggressive tumor of the central nervous system (Wikipedia)
Career Highlights
Kelley Mack rose to recognition for her role as Adeline “Addy” on AMC’s The Walking Dead in Season 9 (2018–19), appearing in five episodes. Though brief, her portrayal left an indelible mark on fans (Walking Dead Wiki).
Beyond TWD, her work included:
- Chicago Med (as Penelope Jacobs, Season 8)
- 9‑1‑1, Schooled, and The AM Archives podcast series
- Supporting roles in films like Broadcast Signal Intrusion, Long Distance Trip, and Universal (The Sun, Wikipedia)
She also had an extensive commercial and voice-over portfolio, including Spider-Man: Into the Spider‑Verse, dubbing Gwen Stacy, and national ads for major brands (KELLEY MACK).
Illness and Advocacy
Kelley began experiencing persistent lower back pain in September 2024, initially attributing it to sciatica. But after worsening symptoms like nerve pain and leg weakness, she was diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma (DMG) via emergency MRI. Her condition progressed rapidly, with mobility significantly affected after spinal cord biopsy (ABC News).
DMG is an aggressive grade IV tumor with few long‑term survivors—underlining the importance of early detection of neurological warning signs (Indiatimes).
Passing and Legacy
Kelley Mack passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025, in Cincinnati, surrounded by her loving mother Kristen and her aunt Karen. Her family shared the news via Instagram, describing her as “a bright, fervent light” whose memory will endure in countless hearts (ElHuffPost).
A celebration of life is planned for August 16, 2025, in Ohio, where friends, family, and fans can pay tribute to her life and achievements (ElHuffPost).
Colleagues and fans mourned her loss online—calling her kind, courageous, and deeply loved. Tributes poured in from co‑stars and Walking Dead directors who praised her spirit and creative energy (Cadena SER, The Sun).
Impact & Remembering Kelley
- Mack’s diagnosis and openness shed light on rare CNS tumors, raising awareness for symptoms often mistaken for less serious conditions.
- Her artistic legacy spans TV, film, audio, and creative production, including award-winning shorts like A Knock at the Door and The Elephant Garden (KELLEY MACK).
- Kelley will be remembered for her passion for storytelling, her bright career trajectory cut tragically short.
Final Tribute
Though her time was brief, Kelley Mack’s legacy lives in the episodes she touched, the films she helped bring to life, and the lives she quietly impacted. Her bravery in illness, her creativity on-screen, and her warmth off-camera shine on.
Emily Carter
