Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease explained as Nashville 9-1-1 star dies aged 23

Nashville 9-1-1 star Isabelle Tate has died at the age of 23, her agency has confirmed.

The actress, who wanted to 'change the world,' died on Sunday, October 19, from a 'rare form' of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Her talent agent, The McCray Agency, shared their 'complete heartbreak' over her death in an Instagram post.

The agency stated: "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."

Tate played a guest at a strip show who forms a connection with Hunter McVey's character Blue in the ABC show's pilot episode, which aired on October 9.

Also a Middle Tennessee State University graduate in business, she 'never once' made excuses for her disability, an obituary shared by her family read.

The tribute went on to describe Tate as 'full of fire' and 'a fighter,' adding: "Isabelle loved volunteering her time to all things, particularly animals - her idea of a fun outing was visiting an animal shelter and doling out lots of love."

"She was also quite musically inclined, often spending hours writing and recording songs with friends and even publishing a few," it continued.

"What she loved the most, though, was spending time with family and friends, always the life of the party.

"Her sister was her best friend and her mom was her shining beacon of light."

What is Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease?

According to the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association (CMTA), CMT is a group of 'multisystem, multiorgan diseases' caused by mutations in more than 130 genes.

It impacts the peripheral nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, responsible for movement, sensation, hearing and organ function.

Symptoms can include weakness and the wasting away of muscles in the arms and legs; spinal deformities; hip dysplasia; hearing loss; and breathing difficulties.

It could also manifest as chronic pain, muscle weakness, difficulty walking, balance problems or numbness.

Symptoms are lifelong and get progressively worse.

More than three million people are affected by CMT worldwide.

The disease is named after the three doctors who first identified the disease in 1886, Jean-Martin Charcot, Pierre Marie and Howard Henry Tooth.

Isabelle Tate's experience with CMT

In a 2022 Instagram post, Tate opened up about her experience with CMT since being diagnosed at just 13 years old.

CMT impacted her leg muscles, and over the years, she noticed 'little things' would get more difficult.

But in 2022, the disease progressed to the point of her needing to use a wheelchair.

She said having to 'accept and surrender' to the condition's progression 'has been extremely hard.'

"I don’t know why these were the cards I was dealt in life, but I can’t change it, so I’m choosing to embrace it and not let it define me," she added.

"This has really changed my perspective on life, and if I’ve learnt anything from this, it’s to appreciate the little things that are easily taken for granted."

In lieu of flowers, Tate's family has requested donations in her name at the CMTA.