The 23-year-old actress, who had just landed her first major TV role in ‘9-1-1: Nashville,’ died from a rare form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.
Actress Isabelle Tate’s cause of death has been confirmed days after her sudden passing at the age of 23.
The rising star, who had just landed her first major acting role in 9-1-1: Nashville, died peacefully on October 19, according to a statement released by her talent agency, The McCray Agency.
On Thursday, October 23, the agency revealed that Tate’s death was caused by a rare form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects the nerves controlling muscles.
“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,” the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA) explains. These symptoms often lead to challenges with balance, walking, hand use, and daily activities.
The McCray Agency shared that Tate’s family is “devastated” and has requested privacy as they grieve the sudden loss of their daughter. In lieu of flowers, they have asked for donations to the CMTA in Tate’s memory, including a link to contribute on Instagram.
Tate, who had recently graduated from Middle Tennessee State University, was described as an ambitious young woman with a bright future in acting. Her agent shared that 9-1-1: Nashville was the first project she ever auditioned for—and she booked it immediately. “She had a wonderful time filming and brought joy to everyone on set,” the agency wrote in a heartfelt tribute.
In the 9-1-1: Nashville pilot episode, Tate portrayed Julie, a young woman in a wheelchair who appears in a lively strip club scene alongside actor Hunter McVey, who plays Blue. McVey told PEOPLE he was “shocked” by the news of her passing and remembered her as “kind, encouraging, and full of great energy.”
“I was terrified on my first day on set, but Isabelle made me feel comfortable,” McVey said. “After every take, she’d say something supportive. She had such a beautiful spirit. I’m grateful I got to share that scene with her.”
CMT disease has also impacted country music legend Alan Jackson, who revealed his diagnosis in 2021 and plans to retire from touring in 2026 due to the condition.
Friends, family, and fans are remembering Isabelle Tate as a talented young actress whose promising career and radiant personality were tragically cut short.
