- - ‘7 Little Johnstons’: Emma Mourns Heartbreaking Personal Loss: ‘Gone Too Soon’

Michelle SteinDecember 12, 2025 at 1:50 AM

0

7 Little Johnstons star Emma Johnston is mourning a heartbreaking personal loss of TLC producer Tegan Zoephel, one year after her sudden death.

On Dec. 9, Emma took to Instagram with a Reel featuring a moment with Zoephel during her family's trip to Finland.

🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬

"One year ago…" she captioned the update, which featured a clip of Zoephel smiling. "Not just me but the entire world got to witness this beautiful smile. You are gone too soon but not in our hearts. Forever be in our hearts ❤️."

In the comments, Joose Jeskanen, the Johnston family's former foreign exchange student from Finland, wrote, "❤️❤️."

Another Instagram user shared, "Condolences and prayers to the Zoephel family 🙏🏼❤️," as a third echoed, "I remember hearing about Tegan passing away. Absolutely heartbreaking."

Related: 7 Little Johnstons Family Suffers Devastating Loss

Someone else wrote, "It's so hard to deal with the passing of someone so young and sweet. May Jesus carry all who loved her through this difficult journey of navigating their sorrow. My prayers and deepest sympathy are with her family and friends. 🕊🦋."

A different follower commented, "I'm so sorry for you loss, Emma.💔 Sending love, hugs and prayers. 🙏."

Meanwhile, yet another fan shared, "So sorry, Emma. I’m sure the crew that works on your show are like family. Hugs to you."

View this post on Instagram

According to an online obituary from Dunn Family Funeral Home, Zoephel died "unexpectedly" on Dec. 9, 2024, in Georgia. Memorials were instructed to be made in her name toward suicide prevention.

Zophel was an associate producer and production assistant for 7 Little Johnstons, per IMDb. Additionally, she worked as a production designer for shorts titled Ghost Light, Spare Parts and Behind the Scenes.

Catch new episodes of 7 Little Johnstons on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET on TLC and streaming the next day on HBO Max.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Next: 7 Little Johnstons: Anna Johnston Introduces New Boyfriend & Fans Are Saying the Same Thing

This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the Celebs section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”