Lifestyle

'The Walking Dead' actress Kelley Mack dies after 2-year cancer battle

Alyssia Birjalal|Published

33-year-old "Chicago Med" actress Kelley Mack has passed away after being diagnosed with glioma of the central nervous system.

Image: Instagram.

Award-winning actress Kelley Mack has died after a two-year battle with cancer.  

The 33-year-old died on Saturday, August 2, in Cincinnati, Ohio, after being diagnosed with glioma of the central nervous system.

Her family has shared the news through a statement, as well as on a CaringBridge page dedicated to her journey.

Mack was most popular for her roles as Addy on the post-apocalyptic zombie drama "The Walking Dead" season 9 and as Penelope Jacobs on "Chicago Med" season 8.

Her impressive career also included appearances in the series "9-1-1" and various commercials, and she was set to star in the upcoming film "Universal", slated for release later this year.

In an emotional Instagram post, Mack’s sister announced her passing.

She wrote: "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."

She continued: "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. 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 f***ing proud of her." 

The family’s formal announcement described Mack's early life, education and passions. 

It read: "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." 

Kelley Mack obituary.

Image: CaringBridge website.

Kelley Mack's obituary.

Image: CareBridge website.

A memorial is planned for August 16 in Ohio, with a further celebration of life to be held at a future date in Los Angeles, where Mack lived and worked for the last 11 years.

Condolences have poured in from colleagues, friends and fans remembering her as “talented” and a “sweet soul”.

“What an incredible human. So proud to have fought alongside her in our final episode together,” wrote Alanna Masterson, who also starred in “The Walking Dead”.