A Dream Tragically Cut Short: 9-1-1: Nashville Star Isabelle Tate’s Cause Of Death Revealed As Co-Star Shares Heartbreaking Final Memories
Actress Isabelle Tate's cause of death has been confirmed.
Tate was 23 when she died on Oct. 19, according to an obituary posted by a local funeral home. She had just graduated from Middle Tennessee State University and had scored her first-ever acting role in
9-1-1: Nashville before her death.
On Thursday, Oct. 23, Tate's talent agency, The McCray Agency, said in an Instagram Story post that the actress died of "a rare form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease." She died "peacefully" on Oct. 19 and her family "requests privacy as they deal with this sudden and shocking loss."
"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," according to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA). "These symptoms often lead to challenges with balance, walking, hand use, and other daily activities."
The McCray Agency included a link to donate to the CMTA, adding, "In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Izzy's memory be made at the same link."
Country music legend Alan Jackson was also diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease in 2021. Jackson, 67, announced plans to retire from performing due to the disease, with his final show scheduled for June 2026.
Following Tate's death, the McCray Agency, shared a tribute on Instagram.
"We are deeply saddened and completely heartbroken to share that Isabelle Tate passed away on October 19th. She was 23," read the post's caption. "I’ve known Izzy since she was a teenager and she recently returned to acting. She booked the first series she auditioned for,
9-1-1: Nashville. She had a wonderful time."
In the pilot episode of 9-1-1: Nashville, Tate played Julie, who was in a wheelchair and attending a strip show when Hunter McVey's character Blue paid her special attention.
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, McVey said he was "shocked" to hear of Tate's death and offered "prayers for her family."
"I didn’t know Isabelle prior to filming, but I couldn’t have asked for someone better to work with on one of my first-ever days on set," he said.
"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," McVey continued. "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."
Candiace Dillard Bassett and Nia Sanchez Booko Gear Up for Related Career Moves
The Miss Universe Organization has enlisted not one, but two Bravolebrities for their next pageant competitions.
The Real Housewives of Potomac alum Candiace Dillard Bassett has been tapped to judge Miss Teen USA 2025. Candiace confirmed her involvement in an October 21 Instagram post in which she described the opportunity as a “full-circle moment.”
“Once a contestant, always a believer,” she wrote. “The Miss USA organization helped mold the woman I am today — and now I have the honor of helping shape the next generation as a Miss Teen USA judge. There’s something truly special about this new era of leadership — it feels like a renaissance, and the future is bright.”
Candiace’s fellow judges will be former Miss Georgia Teen USA Jena Sims, 2013 Miss Teen USA Cassidy Wolf, actress/singer Madisyn Shipman, and actor Josh Randall.
Candiace Dillard Bassett reveals what she's looking for in a pageant winner
Candiace is no stranger to the pageant realm. The mother of one has not only provided consulting services for contestants, but she's also competed for numerous titles, including Miss Maryland USA, Miss District of Columbia USA, and Miss United States, which she won in 2013 while representing Washington, D.C.
Candiace spoke about her judging role in a recent interview with Us Weekly, explaining what she was looking for in the next Miss Teen USA.
“Authenticity. Confidence that’s quiet and steady — not performative,” she said. “I want to see a woman who knows exactly who she is and walks in that truth, whether she’s in a swimsuit or speaking from the heart. As someone who’s lived the pageant experience, I know how much pressure comes with those lights, that stage, and the place. The women who can rise above the nerves and connect — really connect — are the ones who leave a lasting impression.”
Nia Sanchez Booko to judge Miss USA: "It's an honor to come back"
