Michelle Trachtenberg, the talented actress best known for playing her iconic roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has passed away unexpectedly at the age of 39. The actress was found unresponsive in her New York City residence on February 26, as her mother made the shocking discovery of her body. The NYPD confirmed that the actress was “unconscious and unresponsive” before emergency medical personnel pronounced her dead.
As investigations into the circumstances surrounding her untimely death are underway by the New York Medical Examiner, reports indicate that Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant within the past year. Sources suggest her body may have rejected the transplanted organ, contributing to her demise.
In the aftermath of this tragic news, one of Trachtenberg’s friends reflected on their recent conversation, describing the actress’s unwavering optimism. “I’ll never think of you as the same young, bubbly girl that I knew,” she posted in now-changed message, speaking lovingly of a recent FaceTime call during which Trachtenberg’s generosity and sense of humor shone through, all beneath her thin face.
A Trachtenberg representative confirmed her passing, requesting that the family be left alone during this difficult time. Fan concern has been mounting following recent social media activity, where she signaled deteriorating health, as many noted her frail physique and yellow-hued eyes. In January, Trachtenberg dispelled rumors about her health with a selfie post, stating, “Snake it to make it.”
The news of her death came as a surprise to the entertainment industry, as her former co-stars and fellow actors paid their respects. Blake Lively, Ed Westwick, Kim Cattrall, David Boreanaz, and Rosie O’Donnell are among those who eulogized the deceased actress.
She started off at the age of nine in Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete. Trachtenberg became well recognized in the television show Gossip Girl, which was aired from 2007 until 2012, and also appeared in films such as Harriet the Spy, EuroTrip, Ice Princess, Sister Cities, and Killing Kennedy. Her work in the entertainment sector continues to be close to fans’ and peers’ hearts.
