Actress Kelley Mack Dies After Battle with Spinal Cord Tumor
Los Angeles, CA – July 23, 2024 – Actress Kelley Mack, known for her roles in “The Walking Dead,” “Chicago Med,” and recent films “Mr. Manhattan” and “Delicate Arch,” has passed away following a battle with a spinal cord tumor.She was 39 years old. The news was shared by her sister, kathryn Klebenow, in a moving tribute posted on Tuesday.
Mack’s journey with the illness began in November 2023, when emergency MRIs revealed an abnormal mass in her spinal cord. She was undergoing radiation treatment in Cincinnati, Ohio, near her family, at the time of diagnosis.Born on July 18, 1985, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kelley Mack (born Kelley Marie Klebenow) displayed a passion for performance from a young age.Receiving a mini video camera as a birthday gift ignited her love for storytelling, leading to early work in commercials as a child. She attended Anderson High School in Cincinnati, graduating in 2003. Before pursuing acting full-time, Mack briefly studied at the University of Cincinnati.
Mack’s career blossomed into television and film roles. She appeared as Addy in nine episodes of season 9 of AMC’s “The Walking Dead” (2018-2019). Her other television credits include a guest appearance on NBC’s “Chicago Med” in 2022 and a role in a 2019 episode of Fox’s “9-1-1.” More recently, she starred in the independent films “Mr.Manhattan” (2024) and “Delicate Arch” (2024). She was actively promoting her upcoming role in the 2025 film “Universal” on her Instagram account prior to her passing.
In a March Instagram post, Mack shared a video of herself walking up stairs, describing it as a “big deal” in her recovery. Throughout her ordeal, she maintained a positive outlook and leaned on her faith and loved ones.
“I am very grateful to have such a supportive and loving family and boyfriend, who have been with me every second of this process,” Mack wrote in a November post detailing her diagnosis. “It has been a very emotional and challenging time, truly testing my mental fortitude, faith, and physical strength. This experience has brought me closer to God, and I am leaning on him and trust his plan for me.”
Her sister,Kathryn Klebenow,described Mack as “a tough SOB” and praised her bravery in facing the illness. “I’m so f***ing proud of her,” Klebenow wrote. She also noted that Mack had already begun visiting loved ones “in the form of various butterflies.”
A family statement highlighted Mack’s warmth,creativity,and dedication to her craft. “kelley was known for her warmth, creativity, and unwavering support for those around her. She 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.”
Mack is survived by her parents, Kristen and Lindsay Klebenow of Cincinnati; her sister, Kathryn Klebenow of Los Angeles; her brother, Parker Klebenow of cincinnati; her maternal grandparents, Lois and Larry Klebenow of Cincinnati; and her boyfriend, Logan Lanier of Atlanta, Georgia.
A celebration of life ceremony will be held in Ohio on August 16th. Details regarding the location will be released by the family at a later date.
