Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, passed away at 39 in her New York apartment on February 26. Her family confirmed the news, stating, “It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss.”
Authorities found no signs of foul play, and the cause of death remains undetermined as the family declined an autopsy for religious reasons. Police sources told The New York Post that Trachtenberg likely died of natural causes.
Trachtenberg gained fame portraying Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl. She also starred in Harriet the Spy, Ice Princess, and Eurotrip.
Her last Instagram post, shared on February 18, featured a throwback photo from a 2013 red carpet event, where she captioned, “I wanted to look like naughty #tinkerbell.” Fans have flooded the post with tributes, with one saying, “Rest in peace, Michelle. You captivated us with unique stories.”
Co-stars including Selma Blair and Ed Westwick expressed their condolences, with Blair writing, “I love you forever… Your memory will be a blessing.”
