Carla Jeffery’s relatives are pushing back on unfounded online speculation linking drugs to her death, saying plainly that the actress known to Disney Channel viewers as Bree, the bubbly cheerleader of the “Zombies” movies, was not a drug user. Jeffery was 33 when she died September 1, 2026, at her California home.
A spokesperson for the family told TMZ that she died at that residence in California, and that those close to her intend to wait for autopsy results before saying anything more about the circumstances. The rumors moving through social media have not been reported by any news organization, and no official finding supports them. The family also stated that foul play was not a factor and that there is no police investigation.
The coroner has the case listed as pending, with no preliminary cause or manner of death determined. Relatives explained that they are being careful about what they make public because they want anything released to be accurate, and they asked to be left alone while they mourn and await findings.
Her Manager Broke the News on Instagram
The news reached the public through a post on Jeffery’s Instagram account written by Carla Alexander of Alexanders Talent Management, her manager of many years. Accounts of the timing differ: the post has been placed on the night of September 2, while one account dates it to Tuesday, September 1, 2026 — the same day Jeffery died. Jeffery joined the agency when she was 12 and stayed for more than 20 years, Alexander said, developing from a child performer into an actress with a smile capable of lighting up any room. “Carla was more than a client; she was family,” Alexander wrote.
The agency gave no cause of death, asked that the privacy of those close to Jeffery be respected, and closed its tribute by urging the actress to rest beautifully. Disney Entertainment Television, in a statement of its own, said Jeffery’s talent, warmth and spirit made a lasting impression on everyone she worked with, that she had a rare gift for connecting with audiences, and that her generosity and sense of humor would be remembered. The company extended condolences to her relatives, her fellow cast members and the fans of her work.
Co-Stars and Her Twin Brother Pay Tribute
Her “Zombies” castmates began posting within hours. Chandler Kinney, who portrayed Willa, said the news felt unreal and called Jeffery the sweetest, most sparkly gal. “You made every day better and brighter with your infectious positivity,” Kinney wrote, adding that the warmth Jeffery gave Bree reflected who she was away from the camera.
Milo Manheim, who played her on-screen counterpart Zed, posted photos and videos to his Instagram Story and described her as the sweetest, kindest and most loving person. Trevor Tordjman, who portrayed Bucky Buchanan, called her one of a kind and said he would never forget her energy.
Actor Carlon Jeffery, her twin brother and a former star of Disney Channel’s “A.N.T. Farm,” reposted the agency’s statement alongside beach footage of his sister and a screengrab of a text he had sent her at an unspecified date. He told her in that message that he was proud of her resilience and grace, urged her not to let anyone dim her light, and said he had her back in this life and the next.
From Larry David’s HBO Set to Seabrook High
Jeffery was born in Houston, Texas, on July 10, 1993. As a child she took acting lessons alongside her twin brother to get past her shyness, and by 12 she had signed with Alexanders Talent Management. Her first screen work came in the 2006 comedy “Phat Girlz,” where she played the character Jazmin as a 10-year-old opposite Mo’Nique, who played the adult Jazmin. The following year brought a recurring role on HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” where she played Keysha Black in 10 episodes across the sixth and seventh seasons between 2007 and 2009. Keysha belonged to the Blacks, a family left without a home by Hurricane Katrina who moved in with series star Larry David. Leon, played by JB Smoove, and Loretta, played by Vivica A. Fox, rounded out that household.
Steady television work came next. She guest starred on Nickelodeon’s “iCarly” in 2008, Disney Channel’s “Good Luck Charlie” in 2011 and “Shake It Up” in 2012, and she played Janila on NBC’s police drama “Southland.” Among her other credits were “Scream Queens,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Uncle Buck,” “American Vandal,” “Suburgatory,” “Torchwood,” “Men of a Certain Age,” “Best Friends Whenever,” “Lie to Me” and “Miss Guided.” In movies, she appeared in “Teacher of the Year” in 2014, “Girl on the Edge” in 2015 and “Exchange” in 2016, and she supplied a voice for a 2020 episode of Disney XD’s “Spider-Man.”
The Role That Made Her a Star
The part that changed her career arrived in 2018 with the Disney Channel musical “Zombies.” She played Bree, a Seabrook High School student chasing a spot on the cheerleading team who befriends Addison, played by Meg Donnelly. Jeffery returned for the sequels released in 2020 and 2022 and voiced the character again in the 2024 animated offshoot “Zombies: The Re-Animated Series.” She also featured in cast music videos for songs including “Flesh & Bone” and “Fired Up,” plus Donnelly’s video for “Impress.”
The franchise that introduced her to a young global audience stayed part of her life, and she walked the carpet at the world premiere of “Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampires” at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles on July 8, 2025. Her final credited performance was in “Asanté,” a 2025 audio drama.
Nothing more will be shared until the autopsy is complete, her relatives say, and they have repeated their request that their privacy be respected in the meantime.
