Michelle Trachtenberg, an actress best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has died at the age of 39. The actress was found unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment early Wednesday morning. First responders pronounced her dead at the scene, and authorities have confirmed that no foul play is suspected.
“Criminality is not suspected,” the NYPD said in a statement, adding that the investigation remains ongoing.
According to reports, Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant and passed away due to natural causes. The New York City medical examiner will determine the official cause of death.
A former child star, Trachtenberg first rose to fame in the early 1990’s in Harriet the Spy before landing the role of Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and later portraying the manipulative Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl.
Trachtenberg also portrayed Casey Carlyle, the heroine in the 2005 figure-skating movie “Ice Princess.” Other movies included the 2004 teen comedy “Eurotrip” and the 2009 comedy “17 Again,” which also starred Zac Efron and Matthew Perry.
In recent months, fans had expressed concern about her appearance in social media posts, noting that she looked increasingly frail. Despite this, Trachtenberg remained active online, engaging with her followers.
Her sudden passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences from friends and colleagues in Hollywood, with many paying tribute to her legacy as a talented actress.
Trachtenberg’s death serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life, and fans will remember her for the impact she made on television and film.
