Rising Star Taken Too Soon

Isabelle Tate, the talented actress whose career was just taking off, passed away at 23. Her agency, McCray Agency, announced the heartbreaking news on Instagram, revealing she died peacefully from a rare form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT).

Earlier this year, Tate had returned to acting. She landed a role in the pilot episode of ABC’s 9-1-1: Nashville, filmed in June and aired on October 6. Her obituary, published by Austin Funeral & Cremation Services, confirmed her passing.

Family Prepares to Say Goodbye

Tate leaves behind her mother, Katerina Kazakos Tate; stepfather, Vishnu Jayamohan; father, John Daniel Tate; and sister, Daniella Tate. The family will host a public visitation on 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.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association in her memory.

Co-Star Remembers Her Energy

On set, Tate portrayed Julie, a wheelchair user, in a powerful scene alongside actor Hunter McVey. Reflecting on their time together, McVey told People:

“She had such a great energy. You could tell she brought joy to a lot of people. I’m thankful I got to work with Isabelle, and a part of her will live on in the pilot episode of 9-1-1 Nashville.”

McCray Agency, which knew Tate since her teenage years, expressed deep grief. They thanked the production team for supporting her comeback.

Full of Fire: A Life Beyond Acting

Born and raised in Nashville, Tate spent her childhood in Franklin before earning a business degree from Middle Tennessee State University. Beyond acting, she loved music, writing, and recording songs with friends. She also volunteered at local animal shelters, bringing her immense joy.

Her family remembered her as “full of fire,” a determined, humorous, and resilient young woman. Her CMT diagnosis never stopped her from living fully.

A Quiet Battle: Life with CMT

Tate was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease at 13. The rare condition damages peripheral nerves, gradually causing muscle weakness, atrophy, and loss of sensation. While not usually fatal, CMT can limit mobility over time.

Tate shared her journey publicly. By 2022, she relied on a wheelchair—not as a defeat, but as a tool for independence. She encouraged others to face hardship with compassion, raising awareness for invisible disabilities.

Her final Instagram post in January 2025 reflected her spirit. Surrounded by friends, nature, and birds, she smiled, captioning, “from the canon.”

Bringing Attention to CMT

Tate’s advocacy resonates amid growing awareness of the disease. In 2021, country legend Alan Jackson revealed his own CMT diagnosis, highlighting its challenges. While not life-threatening, the condition affects mobility and balance.

Jackson announced his final concert, Last Call: One More for the Road, on June 27, 2026, at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium. The farewell will feature stars including Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, and more.

Legacy of Joy and Strength

Though her life was brief, Isabelle Tate left a lasting impact. From the screen to advocacy, she faced challenges with courage and inspired those around her. Her energy, talent, and compassion will be remembered by family, friends, and fans alike.