The cause of death of Isabelle Tate, the 23-year-old actor who appeared in the pilot episode of 9-1-1: Nashville, has been confirmed as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a rare neurological disorder. The McCray Agency announced the news in a statement on Thursday, following her death on 19 October.
CMT, also known as hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy, is an incurable inherited disease that causes nerve damage, primarily in the arms and legs. According to the Mayo Clinic, it leads to muscle shrinkage and weakness over time, often resulting in difficulty walking and loss of sensation in the feet and legs. While most people with CMT live a normal lifespan, in rare cases it can affect the muscles needed for breathing.
In her final Instagram post in 2022, Tate opened up about her condition, writing: 'When I was 13, I got diagnosed with a progressive neuromuscular disease that weakens leg muscles over time. Recently, it’s really progressed, and I’ve come to terms that if I want to live my life to the fullest, I need to use a wheelchair at times.'
Tate's family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association, which supports research into treatments and a cure. She is survived by her parents, stepfather, and sister, according to her obituary.
A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Tate was described as 'full of fire, a fighter, never once making excuses for the fact that she might have a disability'. Her obituary highlighted her love for volunteering, music, and spending time with family and friends.
