7 Little Johnstons: Star Emma Johnston Shares Painful Goodbye After Sudden Loss
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.
“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.”
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.”
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.
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.
