Dr. Kelly Powers, a podiatric surgeon and frequent Fox News medical commentator, died on December 1, 2024 at her home in Colts Neck, New Jersey, following a battle with brain cancer. She was 45.
Powers, a Yonkers, New York native, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in 2020. Her medical journey included multiple brain surgeries, radiation treatments, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
During her career, Powers maintained a successful medical practice while regularly appearing on Fox News programs including “Red Eye, Fox & Friends,” and “The Willis Report on Fox Business.” She also made appearances on CNN, NBC, and CBS as a medical expert.
Her obituary read, “Kelly was an accomplished doctor and surgeon who held several spotlights on TV and magazines. Most important to her was her family.”
Her academic credentials included a master’s degree from the University of San Francisco and residencies at Georgetown University and Boston University. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she provided commentary on virus developments and vaccine research.
In an earlier health crisis, Powers experienced heart failure while broadcasting live on “Fox Business” during a segment about heart health. She later told Preferred Health Magazine, “It’s crazy – I went into heart failure while doing a report on Fox Business – live – on heart health and talking about the subtle signs that women often miss. You can’t make this up.”
Despite her health challenges, Powers and her husband, Steven Doll, welcomed their son Bennett in 2021 through surrogacy. After her initial cancer treatment appeared successful, she referred to herself as “the luckiest unlucky girl.”
When her cancer returned in 2024, friends organized fundraising efforts to support experimental treatment options in Germany that weren’t covered by insurance.
The disease that claimed Powers’ life is becoming more prevalent, with medical experts projecting a 72% increase in glioblastoma cases by 2050. The increase is attributed to factors including an aging population, increased exposure to pollution, toxic chemicals, and medical imaging.
Beyond her medical and television work, Powers enjoyed numerous hobbies including gardening, surfing, ballet, biking, running, horseback riding, and travel.
A funeral service was held Friday, December 6 at 11 a.m. at Tower Hill Church in Red Bank, New Jersey. She is survived by her husband, son, parents, and in-laws. Her family has requested that in lieu of traditional offerings, donations be made to Stache Strong, a brain cancer research nonprofit.
