'9-1-1 Nashville' Actress Isabelle Tate Passes Away at 23 — Cause of Death Revealed

Before her unexpected death at 23, the actress returned to acting with a role in a network TV drama and shared joyful moments with loved ones earlier this year.

Isabelle Tate, whose acting career was just beginning to blossom, has died. Her agency, McCray Agency, announced the news in an Instagram Story, saying she passed away peacefully from a rare form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT).

In a painful twist of timing, Tate had only recently resumed her acting career. She landed a role in the pilot episode of ABC's "9-1-1: Nashville," her first audition back, which was filmed in June and premiered on October 6. Her obituary, published by Austin Funeral & Cremation Services, also confirmed her death.

Grieving Loved Ones Prepare to Say Goodbye

Tate's family now faces an unimaginable loss. She is survived by her mother, Katerina Kazakos Tate; stepfather, Vishnu Jayamohan; father, John Daniel Tate; and sister, Daniella Tate. To honor her life, a public visitation is scheduled for Friday, October 24, from 12 to 2 p.m. at Forest Hills Methodist Church in Brentwood, Tennessee.

A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., officiated by Reverend Jim Hughes. Instead of flowers, the family is asking for donations in the actress's memory to be directed to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association.

Heartfelt Tribute from Co-Star After Final Scene Together

In the ABC drama, Tate played Julie, a wheelchair user, in a poignant scene opposite Blue, portrayed by actor Hunter McVey. Reflecting on their time together on set, McVey said in a statement to People:

"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... 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."

The McCray Agency, which had known Tate since she was a teenager, shared a tribute on Instagram, expressing its grief over her passing. They thanked the show's casting and production teams for supporting her return to acting. "I was so lucky to know her and she will be greatly missed by so many. 💔," the agency said.

'Full of Fire': Actress Remembered for Passion and Strength

Born and raised in Nashville, Tate spent her childhood in the Franklin community before earning a business degree from Middle Tennessee State University.

Her passions reached beyond acting. "She was also quite musically inclined, often spending hours writing and recording songs with friends and even publishing a few," the family shared. Her compassion for animals led her to volunteer at local shelters, a pursuit her family said brought her tremendous joy.

In her obituary, Tate was remembered as "full of fire," a determined soul who faced life with humor, strength, and unshakable resilience. Her diagnosis, they wrote, never stopped her from living life on her own terms.

Her Quiet Battle: Living with a Rare, Unforgiving Disease

Tate was diagnosed with CMT at the age of 13. The rare condition is a group of inherited disorders that damage the peripheral nerves, those that carry messages between the brain, spinal cord, and limbs.

The disease gradually causes muscle weakness, atrophy, and loss of sensation, particularly in the hands, arms, legs, and feet. Though not typically fatal, CMT is progressive and over time, can severely impact one's mobility and independence.

There is no known cure, but physical therapy, bracing, and assistive devices offer some relief for those living with it. In a December 2022 Instagram post, Tate opened up about the emotional and physical toll the disease had taken.

She described how she gradually came to rely on a wheelchair, using it as a tool for independence rather than defeat. She shared the emotional weight of adapting to a progressive illness and spoke candidly about how it tested her spirit.

But even in struggle, she found purpose, using her platform to advocate for invisible disabilities and encourage others to meet hardship with compassion.

Her final Instagram post, shared in January 2025, echoed that quiet strength. Tate is seen spending time with friends, exploring the outdoors and the beach, and posing with birds perched around her — all while seated in a wheelchair. "from the canon📸😌," she captioned.

Tate's journey is part of a growing chorus of voices bringing attention to CMT, a cause that reached national awareness when one of country music's biggest legends went public with his own diagnosis.

Alan Jackson's Diagnosis Brought CMT Into the Spotlight

In 2021, country music legend Alan Jackson revealed he, too, had been diagnosed with CMT, bringing greater public awareness to the rare disease. In an emotional "Today" interview with host Jenna Bush Hager, he shared that he had lived with the condition for years, having inherited it from his father.

Jackson clarified that while CMT had been affecting his balance and ability to perform, he emphasized that it is not life-threatening, stating, "It's not going to kill me. It's not deadly."

He also noted that the condition is related to muscular dystrophy and Parkinson's disease due to its neurological and muscular impacts.

Still, the toll on his body has been undeniable. As reported on October 9, Jackson announced the date for his final full-length concert — a farewell that comes amid mounting health challenges.

Highlighting the sentimentality of the show, he spoke to People magazine about Last Call: One More for the Road — The Finale, which will include appearances from special guests.

'It's Been a Long Road': Country Icon Alan Jackson Announces Final Concert

Jackson's finale is set to unfold on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Nashville's Nissan Stadium. The exclusive announcement positions the event as more than just a concert — it's a homecoming. "It's been a long road... and it's taken me places I never imagined," Jackson, known for timeless tracks like "Remember When" and "Chattahoochee," reflected.

He added, "But I can't think of a better place to put on a big show and give the fans a finale than in Nashville and include so many special friends."

A Star-Studded Send-off Fit for a Country King

Jackson's farewell stage won't be a lonely one — a jaw-dropping list of country royalty is set to join him for this once-in-a-lifetime moment. Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Riley Green, Cody Johnson, Jon Pardi, Lee Ann Womack, and Keith Urban are all confirmed to share the spotlight with him on this historic night.

"We just felt like we had to end it all where it all started for me, and that's in Nashville — Music City — where country music lives," expressed Jackson, who performed his last road show in May.

Fans eager to secure their spot at Jackson's historic farewell can now do so through his official website, where a presale opportunity has been announced. Concertgoers are invited to enter their information — including name, email, and U.S. phone number — to receive a presale password ahead of ticket access.

The presale has opened on Wednesday, October 15, at 10 a.m. CT, and Jackson's team will email passwords after 5 p.m. CT on Tuesday, October 14.

Fans have been advised to mark emails from admin@alanjacksonlastcall.com as safe to avoid missing critical updates. Those who opt in may also receive messages from Universal Music Group.