Carla Jeffery's cause of death: Disney star dies at just 33 years old
The Disney Channel actress, best known as Bree in the Zombies franchise, built a two-decade career across film, television and voice acting
C arla Jeffery , the actress who became a familiar face to Disney Channel audiences through the Zombies franchise, has died at 33.
Jeffery died Sept. 1, 2026, according to a statement released the following day by Alexanders Talent Management, the agency that had represented her since she was a child.
Her death was confirmed through her official social media account, with her management team remembering an actress whose career had stretched across more than two decades.
Her cause of death has not been disclosed.
"It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Carla Jeffrey ," Alexander wrote in the statement, "who passed away on September 1, 2026, at just 33 years old."
"For more than 20 years," the post continued, "we had the privilege of watching her grow into a beautiful, vibrant and incredibly talented woman whose radiant smile could light up any room.”
The announcement immediately prompted an outpouring of grief from people who worked with Jeffery throughout her career, particularly those who knew her from Disney's popular musical-comedy franchise.
Jeffery was born and raised in Houston and entered the entertainment business remarkably young. Her first major film role came at just 12, when she appeared alongside Mo'Nique in the 2006 comedy Phat Girlz.
Jeffery portrayed a younger version of Mo'Nique's character, giving her an early introduction to a professional acting career that would eventually take her across television, film and animation.
She subsequently appeared on a range of popular television programs, including iCarly, Shake It Up, Good Luck Charlie, Southland, Suburgatory and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.
She also had a recurring role on HBO's Curb Your Enthusiasm, where she played Keysha Black, the daughter of Vivica A. Fox's character, Loretta Black.
But for an entire generation of Disney viewers, Jeffery will be most closely associated with Bree.
Jeffery found a lasting audience through Disney's Zombies franchise
Jeffery joined the Zombies universe in 2018, playing Bree, a cheerleader at Seabrook High and a close friend of Addison, the central character played by Meg Donnelly .
The original Disney Channel movie became the starting point for a larger franchise, with Jeffery returning for Zombies 2 in 2020 and Zombies 3 in 2022.
She later brought Bree back through voice work for Zombies: The Re-Animated Series, allowing her connection with the character to continue beyond the live-action films.
Her work as a voice actress represented another part of her career. Jeffery voiced Mania in Spider-Man in 2020 and continued providing the voice of Bree in the animated Zombies project.
The reaction from her former colleagues demonstrated the impact she had beyond her screen credits.
Chandler Kinney , who worked with Jeffery on Zombies, shared an emotional tribute after news of her death emerged.
"This doesn’t feel real," Kinney penned in an Instagram tribute featuring snapshots of their friendship on set. "The sweetest, most sparkly gal. you made every day better and brighter with your infectious positivity."
"I feel so grateful to have known your love. I’m going to miss laughing with you, and watching you break out your signature splits on any & every dance floor," the 26-year-old continued. "You’re a legend in my eyes, and your legacy of bringing joy and comfort to people everywhere will live on forever. I love you so much, CarlaBoo."
Other members of the Zombies cast also remembered Jeffery following the announcement. Milo Manheim and Trevor Tordjman were among those who shared tributes, with the cast reflecting on her personality and the energy she brought to the set.
Jeffery's management team similarly emphasized the qualities that went beyond her professional achievements.
"As Bree in Disney's hit Zombies franchise, Carla shared her joy, humor and bright spirit with audiences around the world," Alexander continued.
The statement also asked for privacy for Jeffery's family and friends as they "grieve this unimaginable loss."
Jeffery's death comes at a particularly young age, and the lack of an announced cause means there is currently no confirmed explanation for what led to her passing. Reports from ABC News, People, The Hollywood Reporter and other outlets have all confirmed her death while noting that her cause of death remains undisclosed.
Her career, however, leaves behind a substantial body of work for fans to remember.
From a first film role at 12 to becoming a recognizable Disney Channel performer, Jeffery spent more than 20 years working in entertainment. Her final legacy may be particularly strong among the viewers who grew up watching Zombies, but her résumé extended well beyond the franchise.
Her management team summed up that legacy in a message asking those mourning her to remember "her infectious smile, her laughter, her talent and the beautiful light she carried everywhere she went."
For fans and former colleagues, those memories will now stand alongside the characters and performances that made Carla Jeffery a familiar presence on screen.
