Kelley Mack, a film producer
and actress who appeared in "The Walking Dead" and "Chicago
Med," has died. She was 33.
Born Kelley Lynne Klebenow,
the Chapman University graduate died Aug. 2 in her hometown of Cincinnati
following a battle with glioma of the central nervous system. Her agent, Julie
Smith, confirmed the news to USA TODAY on Aug. 5.
According to the National
Cancer Institute, gliomas are groups of tumors formed from abnormal glial
cells, which "support and protect the brain's nerve cells" and are
found in the brain and spinal cord. They are "the most common type of
malignant primary brain tumor in adults," per the NCI.
Though Mack also did work on
commercials and short films, her biggest roles saw her on screen on Season 8 of
"Chicago Med" as Penelope Jacobs. She also played Addy in Season 9 of
"The Walking Dead."
Mack's sister, Kathryn
Klebenow, shared news of her death on her Instagram, writing in the caption
that "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."
She "passed peacefully
on Saturday evening with her loving mother Kristen and steadfast aunt Karen
present," per the post. Klebenow added, "As her sister, I want you
all to know how brave ... (she) was, especially when she decided to make the
leap to be reunited with God. I’m so ... proud of her."
Previously, Mack's family
shared in April that she had completed proton radiation treatment.
In a statement shared on
Mack's CaringBridge page, Klebenow wrote that her family will be holding
"a recognition and remembrance of Kelley's life" in Glendale, Ohio,
on Aug. 16, with a celebration of life planned for an unspecified date in Los
Angeles.
