911: Hunter McVey Speaks Out on Costar Isabelle Tate’s Passing
9-1-1: Nashville‘s Hunter McVey has expressed his feelings following the passing of costar Isabelle Tate at the young age of 23, just weeks after their scene together aired.
“I was stunned to hear the news,” McVey, 26, shared with People on Thursday, October 23. “I did not know Isabelle before we filmed, but I couldn’t have asked for a better person to collaborate with on one of my first days on set.”
McVey reflected on how Tate improved his experience, mentioning, “I was anxious and nervous, and after each take, we exchanged supportive words. I had the pleasure of speaking with her post-scene, and her energy was contagious.”
He concluded: “She undoubtedly brought joy to many. I’m grateful I had the chance to work with Isabelle, and a part of her will forever be remembered in the pilot episode of 9-1-1: Nashville. Prayers for her family.”
A representative for Tate shared thoughts on the actress’s untimely death in a separate statement.
“I’ve known Izzy since her teenage years, and she recently returned to acting. She landed the first series she auditioned for, 9-1-1: Nashville, and had a wonderful experience,” Kim McCray wrote on Instagram. “Thanks to [Mark Fincannon and Shelby Holt] for casting her, and [Caroline Locorriere] for providing her that encouraging nudge back into acting. Also, thank you to Lora Sorrentino for ensuring her set experience was positive. My heart goes out to her lovely mother [Katerina Kazakos Tate], her sister Daniella, family, and friends. I was fortunate to know her, and she will be deeply missed.”
Tate’s death was confirmed on Facebook on Wednesday, October 22, following a health challenge.
“Isabelle was passionate, a fighter who never made excuses despite her disabilities,” her obituary stated. “She had a talent for music, spending ample time writing and recording songs with friends, even publishing some. Most importantly, she cherished time with loved ones, always being the life of the party. Her sister was her closest friend, and her mom was her guiding light.”
Earlier this month, Tate was featured in the 9-1-1: Nashville premiere as a girl who had visited the club where Blue (McVey) danced before becoming a firefighter. Tate had previously spoken about her health challenges after being diagnosed with a progressive neuromuscular disease at age 13.
“I don’t usually open up about my life on this platform, but I feel compelled to share my journey. At 13, I was diagnosed with a progressive neuromuscular disease that gradually weakens my leg muscles,” she shared on Instagram in 2022. “Initially, I struggled to grasp its implications. Over time, I noticed my limitations worsening, though not significantly.”
Tate acknowledged that her condition had “really progressed,” stating, “I’ve realized that to truly enjoy life, I must use a wheelchair at times. Accepting help and coming to terms with this journey has been challenging.”
During this introspective period, Tate expressed her desire to maximize her opportunities.
“While navigating through this, I found that I lost myself in many respects. I disliked that it affected me not just physically but also mentally,” she continued. “I never anticipated facing such challenges, as most wouldn’t. I cannot change the hand I was dealt, but I choose to embrace it rather than let it define me.”
She concluded, “This experience has transformed my outlook on life, helping me appreciate the small things we often take for granted. One can never know the struggles others face, so let’s always be kind and compassionate.”
After her passing, Tate’s agency confirmed she died from a rare neurological condition known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is “a group of inherited disorders that cause nerve damage, primarily affecting the peripheral nerves in the arms and legs.”
