Away from the ice, Kelley aspired to be a doctor, like his father. Kelley was en route to the World Championships in 1961 when his plane (Sabena Flight 548) crashed near Brussels, Belgium, killing all on board. He was 16 at the time of his death.
He won the junior title at the United States Figure Skating Championships in 1959 and finished ninth at the 1960 World Figure Skating Championships after the top three United States. skaters skipped the event. In 1961 he won the silver medal at the United States. Nationals and the bronze at the North American Figure Skating Championships.
