Carla Jeffery, Disney Channel star known for ‘Zombies’ franchise, dies at 33 - KCBD

Jeffery's manager, Carla Alexander of Alexanders Talent Management, confirmed the death in an online post. No cause of death has been disclosed. "Carla was more than a client. She was family," Alexander wrote in the statement.

Jeffery first appeared as Bree, an aspiring cheerleader, in the 2018 Disney Channel film "Zombies." She reprised the role in two sequels, with her character becoming close friends with lead Addison, played by Meg Donnelly. The franchise built a devoted following among younger viewers and their families.

For parents and kids in Lubbock who grew up watching Disney Channel, the loss lands close. "Zombies" was the kind of movie that played on repeat on weekend afternoons, and Bree was one of the characters kids actually rooted for. Jeffery brought warmth to a role that could have easily been a background part.

She was younger than the franchise she helped build had time to fully run its course.