Walking Dead star Kelley Mack's life off camera as she shared tragic comment before death

The Walking Dead star Kelley Mack has died aged 33 after she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer - something she had tragically been determined she was going to beat.

Months before her death, she had defiantly said her diagnosis would be "a short chapter in my long book". In March she also tragically claimed "things are getting better" after admitting her journey hadn't been easy.

Sadly, however, the actress's death was confirmed in an emotional social media post on Tuesday.

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Taking to her Instagram page, a statement read: "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.

"Kelley passed peacefully on Saturday evening with her loving mother Kristen and steadfast aunt Karen present. Kelley has already come to many of her loved ones in the form of various butterflies. She will be missed by so many to depths that words cannot express."

Kelley Mack's rare cancer diagnosis

In a post confirming her diagnosis, Kelley, who was best known for her role of Addy in the popular zombie drama series, revealed her symptoms included "persistent lower back pain" that had her thinking she had slipped a disc". She continued: "A few weeks later, I had neuropathic itching in my right quad.

"And then, the shooting pains in my legs and back began, which resulted in me having to sleep in a recliner for a month because laying down was too painful."

She explained that emergency MRI scans in November revealed an abnormal mass in her spinal cord, which then led to her being diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma - a rare type of astrocytoma cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute diffuse midline gliomas are "primary central nervous system (CNS) tumours," meaning they begin in the brain or spinal cord.

Kelley revealed due to the biopsy surgery on her spinal chord, she lost the use of her right leg and most of her left leg, so needed to move around using a walker and a wheelchair.

She revealed she had been practicing to walk again with the help of her partner as she tried to walk upstairs. Sharing a video of her efforts, she also made a joke in March, saying: "Life has also had its ups and downs lately am I right lol."

Who was Kelley Mack's boyfriend?

In the same post, Kelley gave a rare insight into her home life. The voiceover artist was known to be in a relationship with Logan Lanier. However, not much is known about their relationship.

The duo moved in together in September last year, with Kelley sharing the update in her post on her social media account.

Posting an update on January 3 from hospital, Kelley confirmed she moved into the new apartment around a month before she was diagnosed with cancer.

Logan is thought to be an amateur golfer and has won a number of accolades in the sport. In an update by Kelley, she revealed her man was "always by my side" and said he had been practicing his craft at an indoor golf simulator.

Kelley Mack's family life

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio Kelley has two younger siblings, Kathryn and Parker Mack. Like Kelley, Parker went down the showbiz route and has featured in the likes of MTV's Faking It and drama series Chasing Life.

Kelley admitted she had relocated to be near her family while she underwent radiation treatment. She praised them for being "such a supportive and loving family" as she came to terms with her diagnosis.

While most of her social media updates that followers revolved around her treatment, she often shared glimpses of her home life, including her dad pushing her in her wheelchair.

In 2022, she shared an emotional post sharing her gratitude towards her brother for his birthday. She wrote: "I love my brother so much. Today’s his birthday, and I am so thankful for his kindness, love, intellect, and humor. Here are photos of us over the years, supporting each other in doing what we love. He’s one of my biggest cheerleaders and I am 100% one of his. I mean, look at that face!"

She shared a similar comment for her "caring, hilarious" sister the following her on her birthday. Following Kelley's death, her sister took to her own Instagram Stories to share the sad news.

The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, call us on 0808 808 0000.

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