Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has passed away at the age of 39.
New York City police responded to a 911 call early Wednesday morning at a luxury apartment tower in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen. Officers arrived to find Trachtenberg unconscious and unresponsive. Emergency medical personnel pronounced her dead at the scene. Authorities stated that no foul play is suspected, and the New York Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause of death.
In a statement, the NYPD said, “On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at approximately 0801 hours, police responded to a 911 call of an aided individual at 1 Columbus Place. Upon arrival, officers observed a 39-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive. EMS responded and pronounced the victim deceased. Criminality is not suspected. The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing.”Sources told ABC News that Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have experienced complications. She is believed to have died of natural causes, though an autopsy will confirm the exact cause of death.
Her representative, Gary Mantoosh, released a statement on behalf of her family to JustJared, saying, “It is with great sadness that we confirm Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy at this time.”
Soon after news of her death broke, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry, with former co-stars and colleagues expressing their grief. Buffy the Vampire Slayer actor David Boreanaz posted on Instagram, “So very sad … horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family.”
Melissa Gilbert, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in A Holiday for Love, wrote, “My heart aches for your family and all those who loved you so.”
Ed Westwick, her Gossip Girl co-star, shared a photo of Trachtenberg from the show, captioning it: “So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg. Sending prayers.”
Kim Cattrall, who starred with Trachtenberg in Ice Princess, posted a tribute on social media: “Rest in peace, sweet Michelle. This is heartbreaking. So talented, much too young.”
Rosie O’Donnell, who worked with Trachtenberg on Harriet the Spy, reflected on her passing: “Heartbreaking. I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
Michelle’s ex-boyfriend, Shawn Ashmore, wrote, “Incredibly sad to hear about Michelle’s passing. She was an incredible person and I will always remember the years we spent together fondly. She was loving, quirky and would never pass up a law and order SVU marathon:)”
Kenan Thompson also paid tribute in a note that read, “Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! Check on your people!!!
Gossip Girl showrunners Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage also paid tribute, saying: “Michelle was so funny, kind, and talented. Her portrayal of Georgina Sparks was iconic and grew from a one-season villain to a beloved character over six seasons. She was a delight to have on set and will be deeply missed.”
Trachtenberg rose to fame as a child star, first appearing in ‘The Adventures of Pete & Pete’ before landing the lead role in ‘Harriet the Spy’ (1996). In 2000, she joined the cast of ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Sarah Michelle Gellar’s titular character, staying on the show until 2003. In recent years, she had been vocal about her experiences in Hollywood, notably supporting Sarah Michelle Gellar’s 2021 statement against Buffy showrunner Joss Whedon’s inappropriate behaviour on the show’s set.
She later gained further recognition as Georgina Sparks in ‘Gossip Girl’, a role that earned her a Teen Choice Award nomination for Best TV Villain in 2012. Trachtenberg was one of the original cast members to return for guest appearances in the 2021 Gossip Girl reboot. She also starred in ‘Ice Princess’ (2005) and appeared in ‘Six Feet Under’, ‘Weeds’, and ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’.
