The ZOMBIES family is paying tribute to Carla Jeffery.
Following news of the actress’ death Tuesday at age 33, Jeffery’s co-stars and friends have taken to social media to share memories of the performer, who played Bree in the first three installments of Disney Channel’s ZOMBIES movie musical franchise. Across Instagram posts, Stories and comments, those who knew her remembered her fondly, reminiscing on her infectious laugh, boundless positivity and the joy she brought into every room.
Meg Donnelly, who co-starred alongside Jeffery as Addison in the franchise, shared an emotional tribute Thursday (Sept. 3), admitting that she’s had to process the news.
“I have been in a state of denial,” Donnelly wrote. “I feel like I keep waiting for something before I believe it’s actually real.”
Donnelly went on to remember Jeffery as “truly one of a kind,” praising her strength, sense of humor and care for the people she loved. “God, there is no one like her,” she added.
Though Donnelly said posting about such a devastating loss felt “strange and unnatural,” she ultimately thought about what Jeffery would have wanted, which was a collection of memories filled with the smiles, laughter and love she so often brought to others. “So, here you go my beautiful Carla,” Donnelly concluded. “Thank you for being such a huge part of my life. I love you always. Addi & Bree forever.”
Milo Manheim, who starred as Zed opposite Donnelly’s Addison, also shared a series of photos and videos of Jeffery on his Instagram Story.
“Love you Carlaboo,” he wrote on one tribute. “The sweetest, kindest, most loving person.”
In another upload to his Story, Manheim thanked her for “spreading so much joy,” while an Instagram comment he left on the announcement of her death simply read, “Carla. The sweetest person I have ever met. I love you.”
Chandler Kinney, who portrayed Willa in the ZOMBIES films, similarly reflected on Jeffery’s unmistakable energy in a lengthy Instagram tribute.
“This doesn’t feel real,” she began, calling Jeffery “the sweetest, most sparkly gal” and writing that she made “every day better and brighter” with her positivity. Kinney also connected the actress’ personality to the character she played, writing that part of the reason Jeffery brought so much “effervescence” to Bree was because “that’s really who you were in your heart.”
“A bubbly, vivacious heart-of-gold cheerleader who loved nothing more than to uplift those around her,” Kinney continued. “I feel so grateful to have known your love.”
Kinney further honored her friend through a series of Instagram Stories, sharing photos and videos of their time together, including footage of Jeffery doing the splits in her cheerleading uniform. “If you knew her, you knew this was her signature move,” Kinney wrote. “The most joyous person.”
She also reposted memories of Jeffery with the ZOMBIES cast, noting that the actress “loved zombies with her whole heart.”
Kylee Russell, another member of the franchise’s cast, shared a collage of photos with Jeffery and wrote, “Oh Carla. I’m so blessed to have known you and call you my sister. I love you so much. And I will miss you for a lifetime.”
ZOMBIES actor Trevor Tordjman remembered Jeffery as “truly one of a kind,” writing on Instagram that he would “never forget” her energy.
The outpouring of love went further than the cast’s individual tributes, and spread throughout the comments section of the announcement posted to Jeffery’s official Instagram account by her talent management team. Pearce Joza wrote, “I love you, Carla,” while Ariel Martin (Baby Ariel) shared her disbelief and repeatedly expressed her admiration and love for her former co-star.
“I’m in shock,” wrote Jadah Marie. “What a beautiful soul. I’m so heartbroken.”
Liamani, who has appeared in Descendants: The Rise of Red and Camp Rock 3, wrote, “Sweet girl. Knowing you was an honor. There will never be another soul like yours.” ZOMBIES 4 actress Swayam Bhatia added, “Rest in peace Carla. We love you.”
Actor Tony Nappo remembered Jeffery as a “warm young, talented woman full of life and positivity,” while Camryn Manheim, mother of ZOMBIES alum Milo Manheim, wrote that her “heart is so heavy” over the news.
ZOMBIES 4 actress Freya Skye wrote in the comments: ““what a wonderful, bright, joyous human. Rest easy Carla.”
Jeffery’s death was announced Wednesday by Alexanders Talent Management, which said the actress died Tuesday at age 33. The company remembered her as a “beautiful, vibrant, and incredibly talented woman whose radiant smile could light up any room.”
