The tragic news of actress Isabelle Tate's passing has been confirmed, with the 23-year-old losing her life on October 19th, as announced in an obituary by a local funeral home. Just months prior to her demise, Tate had graduated from Middle Tennessee State University and secured her debut acting role in the popular series 9-1-1: Nashville.
On October 23rd, Tate's talent agency, The McCray Agency, shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, revealing that the young actress had succumbed to "a rare form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease." She passed away "peacefully" and her family "requests privacy as they deal with this sudden and shocking loss."
According to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA), CMT is a rare multisystem, multiorgan disease that causes lifelong, progressive symptoms including muscle weakness and atrophy in the arms and legs, sensory loss, and other complications. These symptoms often lead to challenges with balance, walking, hand use, and other daily activities.
In memory of Tate, The McCray Agency included a link for donations to the CMTA, adding, "In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Izzy's memory be made at the same link."
Country music legend Alan Jackson, who was also diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in 2021, announced plans to retire from performing due to the disease, with his final show scheduled for June 2026.
Following Tate's death, The McCray Agency shared a moving tribute on Instagram. "We are deeply saddened and completely heartbroken to share that Isabelle Tate passed away on October 19th," read the post's caption. "I’ve known Izzy since she was a teenager and she recently returned to acting. She booked the first series she auditioned for, 9-1-1: Nashville. She had a wonderful time."
In the pilot episode of 9-1-1: Nashville, Tate played Julie, a character in a wheelchair attending a strip show when Hunter McVey's character Blue paid her special attention. In a statement shared with PEOPLE, McVey expressed his shock at Tate's death and offered prayers for her family. "I didn’t know Isabelle prior to filming, but I couldn’t have asked for someone better to work with on one of my first-ever days on set," he said. "I was terrified, nervous, and after each take, we would get to exchange a couple words, which were always supportive from her. I got the pleasure of talking with her after the scene, and she had such a great energy. You could tell she brought joy to a lot of people." McVey continued, "I’m thankful I got a chance to work with Isabelle and that a part of her will live on forever in the pilot episode of 9-1-1 Nashville."
