Beloved ‘Walking Dead’ Star Found Dead at 52—Fans & Co-Stars Pay Heartbreaking Tributes

Fans of AMC’s zombie franchise are mourning today as Kelley Mack—the actress who portrayed the earnest survivor Addy in Season 9 of “The Walking Dead”—has died at the age of 33 from diffuse midline glioma, a rare and aggressive form of spinal-cord cancer that she revealed publicly only seven months ago. The Ohio-born performer, whose full name was Kelley Lynne Klebenow, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening surrounded by her mother Kristen and aunt Karen, according to a family statement posted to Instagram. “Such a bright, fervent light has transitioned to the beyond,” her sister Kathryn wrote, adding that Mack’s spirit has already appeared to loved ones “in the form of various butterflies.” Diagnosed after sudden back pain and neuropathic itching forced emergency MRIs last Thanksgiving, Mack chronicled her battle on social media, sharing radiation milestones and even celebrating the simple victory of climbing a flight of stairs. “This experience has brought me closer to God,” she wrote in March, vowing to keep creating despite the prognosis. Before her breakout on “The Walking Dead,” Mack had carved a steady path through genre television, landing guest spots on “9-1-1,” “Chicago Med,” and a string of indie films including 2024’s “Delicate Arch.” Industry colleagues remember her warmth on set and laser-focused dedication to craft; showrunner Angela Kang called her “a storyteller to her core, bursting with ideas even between takes.” Her sudden death has jolted the franchise’s fandom, who flooded X (formerly Twitter) overnight with #RestInPeaceKelleyMack tributes and GIFs of Addy’s final moments at the Hilltop Colony. Co-star Norman Reedus tweeted, “Hearts are heavy today. Kelley’s kindness was as real as any character she played.” Mack is survived by her parents, Kristen and Lindsay Klebenow; siblings Kathryn and Parker; longtime boyfriend Logan Lanier; and grandparents Lois and Larry Klebenow. A public celebration of life will be held August 16 in Cincinnati, with the family requesting donations to the National Brain Tumor Society in lieu of flowers. Why this loss resonates • “The Walking Dead” boasts one of television’s most passionate global followings, and Mack’s role, though brief, symbolized hope for the next generation of survivors. • Diffuse midline glioma predominantly affects children and young adults, highlighting a critical need for research funding. • Hollywood’s ongoing conversation about health transparency gains a poignant new voice through Mack’s candid Instagram diary. SEO takeaway Searches for “Walking Dead star dies,” “Kelley Mack death,” and “diffuse midline glioma” are surging as fans seek details about the actress’s life, cause of death, and memorial plans.