The entertainment industry mourns the loss of Kelley Mack, a talented actress known for her appearances in acclaimed shows like The Walking Dead and Chicago Med. At only 33 years old, Mack passed away in her hometown of Cincinnati on Saturday, August 2, following a courageous battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer known as glioma of the central nervous system. Her death has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, co-stars, and fans who admired her strength, artistic talent, and resilience.
Kelley Mack’s family shared the heartbreaking news through her Instagram account, accompanied by a touching message honoring her life and legacy. “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,” the message read.
It added that she passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her mother Kristen and her aunt Karen. In the days following her passing, her family shared that many loved ones had seen butterflies—symbols of transformation and hope—offering comfort in their grief.
Kelley Mack’s departure is not only a profound loss to those who knew her personally but also to the many fans who were inspired by her work on screen and by her open, heartfelt documentation of her journey through illness on social media.
A Rising Star Remembered
Kelley Mack made her mark in television through memorable roles in major network dramas. Fans of The Walking Dead will remember her portrayal of Addy, a member of the community known as the Highwaymen. Though a supporting role, Mack brought depth and emotion to her character, making her one of the more memorable faces from the later seasons of the AMC hit series.
Her work on Chicago Med, a medical drama part of the Chicago franchise, showcased her versatility and acting range. Though her filmography wasn’t vast, her performances were impactful. Kelley Mack demonstrated an ability to fully inhabit her characters, drawing empathy from viewers in even the briefest screen appearances.
Off-screen, she was known for her kindness, thoughtfulness, and unwavering support for her fellow actors and creatives. She maintained close relationships with her fans, often responding to comments and sharing intimate details of her personal life with vulnerability and courage.
🚨🇺🇸 WALKING DEAD ACTRESS KELLEY MACK DIES AT 33
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 6, 2025
Kelley Mack – best known as Addy in The Walking Dead – has died after battling a rare and aggressive spinal cancer.
She was 33.
Diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma in late 2024, Mack documented her illness with honesty, grit,… pic.twitter.com/Qrosmu3Q6p
Her death comes at a time when she was just beginning to chart the next phase of her career. In the months prior to her diagnosis, she had moved into a new apartment with her boyfriend and was looking forward to new professional opportunities. Her openness about her illness and the profound physical changes it brought made her a source of inspiration for many facing similar challenges.
A Courageous Battle with Cancer
In early 2024, Kelley Mack began experiencing troubling symptoms that would later lead to a devastating diagnosis. She first noticed persistent back pain in September, soon after moving in with her boyfriend, Logan Lanier. The pain, initially mistaken for a slipped disc, evolved into neuropathic itching and severe shooting pains in her legs and back.
These symptoms disrupted her ability to sleep and function normally, eventually leading to emergency MRIs in November that revealed an abnormal mass in her spinal cord. The diagnosis—diffuse midline glioma—was a shock. This form of cancer, a rare and aggressive astrocytoma, affects the central nervous system and is known for its rapid progression and limited treatment options.
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Due to a necessary biopsy surgery on her spinal cord, Kelley Mack lost the use of her right leg and most of her left, resulting in her reliance on a wheelchair and a walker for mobility. She documented these experiences on social media with unflinching honesty, bringing visibility to a condition many are unfamiliar with.
Despite the painful progression of her illness, Mack remained fiercely positive and deeply grateful for the support system surrounding her. She consistently credited her family and boyfriend for giving her strength, writing, “I am very grateful to have such a supportive and loving family and boyfriend, who have been with me every second of this process. It has been a very emotional and challenging time, truly testing my mental fortitude, faith, and physical strength.”
One of her most touching updates was a video posted in March, showing her walking up a staircase with help from Lanier. She captioned it with both humor and pride: “I’ve been up and down these stairs now 2x in the past few days. It’s a big deal for me. (Life has also had its ups and downs lately am I right lol).” Her bravery in sharing both victories and struggles painted a picture of a woman who was not only fighting a physical battle but also striving to retain her independence and humor in the face of extraordinary difficulty.
The Man Who Stood By Her Side: Logan Lanier
Among the many people devastated by Kelley Mack’s passing is her boyfriend, Logan Lanier. While not much is publicly known about him, he featured prominently in Kelley’s social media posts and her heartfelt messages about the support she received during her illness. Mack revealed that she and Lanier had taken the significant step of moving in together in September 2023, just before her symptoms began.
Though he did not seek the spotlight, Lanier’s presence during Mack’s most vulnerable moments spoke volumes. He helped her navigate everyday tasks and supported her through major medical procedures and lifestyle changes brought about by her diagnosis. Her writings often reflected the depth of their relationship, describing him as a steadfast and loving partner who stood by her during the most challenging time of her life.
In sharing a video of herself attempting stairs with his help, Mack allowed her followers a glimpse into the quiet, unglamorous acts of love and devotion that defined their relationship. There were no grand public declarations, only the powerful simplicity of support, encouragement, and presence. Lanier’s role in her journey underlines how critical it is for patients with terminal illnesses to have caregivers who love and advocate for them.
Though Lanier has not released any public statements, those who followed Mack’s posts can easily infer the depth of his grief and loss. He was not just her boyfriend but her partner, caregiver, and emotional anchor. As Mack’s story continues to be shared and remembered, Lanier remains a part of that legacy—someone who loved her deeply and helped her maintain dignity, purpose, and joy during her final months.
Kelley Mack’s family, which includes her parents Kristen and Lindsay Klebenow, her siblings Kathryn and Parker, and her grandparents Lois and Larry Klebenow, are also among those mourning the loss of a beloved daughter and sister. The post from her Instagram hinted at spiritual and symbolic signs of her continued presence, noting that she had already “come to many of her loved ones in the form of various butterflies.”
Mack’s death is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of illness. Yet, in how she lived, fought, and shared her story, she left behind a legacy that extends far beyond her film credits. Her bravery, openness, and grace in the face of terminal illness made her a beacon of strength to many. In a world where we often see curated perfection, Mack offered something far more valuable: authenticity.
Though Kelley Mack’s time on Earth was tragically short, her light will continue to shine through her work, her words, and the people who loved her.