The entertainment world is mourning the loss of a bright new talent. Isabelle Adora Tate, who recently appeared in the pilot episode of “9-1-1: Nashville,” has died at the age of 23. Her passing was confirmed by her talent agency on October 23, 2025, revealing that she died just days prior on October 19. While her death was sudden and shocking to her family and friends, it has brought public attention to the rare genetic condition she lived with for most of her life. Tate’s story is not just one of loss, but also of remarkable perseverance and passion, as she successfully pursued her acting dreams while navigating the challenges of a progressive neuromuscular disease.
Known affectionately as Izzy, Tate had just made her triumphant return to acting. In her first adult audition, she booked a role on the high-profile Ryan Murphy spinoff series, “9-1-1: Nashville.” She filmed her part as Julie in June, and the episode aired earlier in October, marking a career milestone that was tragically cut short. Described in her obituary as someone “full of fire” and “a fighter,” Tate was also a dedicated student, an animal lover, and a gifted musician who loved writing and recording songs with her friends. Her journey was a powerful example of living life to the fullest, even from a wheelchair.
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What Is Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease?
Isabelle Tate’s family and talent agency confirmed that she had a rare form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, or CMT. Despite its name, CMT is not a dental or mouth-related illness. It is a genetic neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nerves—those responsible for communicating messages between the brain and the rest of the body, particularly the muscles in the arms, legs, hands, and feet.
According to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association, CMT is a “multisystem, multiorgan disease” that causes lifelong, progressive symptoms. This typically includes muscle weakness and atrophy in the limbs, sensory loss, and complications that frequently lead to challenges with balance, walking, and performing daily activities. The disease is caused by gene changes that affect the nerves, and these changes are often inherited, though they can also occur spontaneously.
‘9-1-1: Nashville’ actress Isabelle Tate has died. She was 23. No cause of death details have been shared at this time. https://t.co/yvtdm0fzvY pic.twitter.com/eVBmGr08HG
— E! News (@enews) October 23, 2025
It is important to note that CMT is generally not considered a fatal disease, and most people diagnosed with it live a normal lifespan and remain active. However, in rare and severe cases, the progressive weakness can extend to the muscles that control breathing. This can be particularly dangerous at night and may require the use of assistive breathing devices. While a specific, official cause of death has not been publicly released for Tate, her agency stated she passed away peacefully following complications from this rare form of CMT.
A Life Embraced with Courage and Fire
Isabelle Tate’s personal experience with CMT was one of public courage and private struggle. She was first diagnosed with the progressive neuromuscular disease at the young age of 13. For years, she managed the condition as it slowly progressed, but in a heartfelt social media post in December 2022, she opened up about reaching a significant turning point. She shared that the disease had progressed to a point where she had accepted that using a wheelchair at times was necessary if she wanted to “live my life to the fullest.”
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In that same post, she reflected on the difficulty of her journey, writing, “This has been a difficult journey for me because having to accept help and surrender to the progression of this condition has been extremely hard.” Yet, her words were not of defeat, but of resilience. She made a conscious choice to embrace her reality, stating, “I can’t change it, so I’m choosing to embrace it and not let it define me.” This same fighting spirit was echoed in the tributes that followed her passing. Her co-star from “9-1-1: Nashville,” Hunter McVey, recalled that despite not knowing her well, she had “such great energy” and that “you could tell she brought joy to a lot of people.”
Tate’s legacy is one of incredible strength and talent. A native of Nashville, she was a recent business graduate of Middle Tennessee State University and had a profound love for volunteering at animal shelters. In her memory, her family has requested that instead of flowers, donations be made to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association to support research and awareness for the condition. Her story is a poignant reminder of the hidden battles people may face and the profound impact of choosing to live with courage and fire, no matter the circumstances.
