9-1-1: Nashville Actress Isabelle Tate’s Cause Of Death Revealed
A cause of death has been revealed for rising actress Isabelle Tate. The 9-1-1: Nashville star, who passed away on October 19 at just 23 years old, died from a rare neurological disorder, her representative confirmed to Entertainment Weekly following the tragic news shared over the weekend. The condition had confined her to a wheelchair and primarily affected her legs, though it can also impact the lungs and heart. Her agent told the outlet that she passed away peacefully in her sleep.
On Thursday, Oct. 23, Tate’s talent agency, The McCray Agency, confirmed in an Instagram Story that the 23-year-old actress died from “a rare form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease,” a progressive neurological disorder. The agency shared that Tate passed away “peacefully” on Oct. 19 and that her family is requesting privacy as they cope with the “sudden and shocking loss,” according to People.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, or CMT, is a rare multisystem condition that affects the nerves controlling movement and sensation. The Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association explains that it can cause progressive muscle weakness and atrophy in the arms and legs, along with sensory loss and balance issues, often impacting walking, hand coordination, and other daily activities.
In their statement, The McCray Agency also encouraged donations to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association in Tate’s memory, writing that “in lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made” through the organization’s official donation link.
Born and raised in Nashville, Tate made her television debut in the pilot episode of 9-1-1: Nashville, portraying Julie, a bachelorette party guest who shares a playful scene with firefighter Blue, a former stripper played by Hunter McVey. The show — created by Ryan Murphy and starring Chris O’Donnell and LeAnn Rimes — is the newest addition to the 9-1-1 franchise, joining 9-1-1: Lone Star and the original Los Angeles–based series led by Angela Bassett and Jennifer Love Hewitt. According to The Post, next week’s episode will feature an “in memoriam” tribute in her honor.
Her obituary describes Tate as an “aspiring actress” who was “the life of the party,” “full of fire,” and “a fighter,” never letting her disability define her. Deeply passionate about animals, she frequently volunteered at shelters, calling it her favorite way to spend the day. Tate was also musically gifted, often writing and recording songs with friends and even releasing a few of her own.