On February 26, 2025, actress Michelle Trachtenberg, renowned for her roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl,” was found unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment by her mother. Emergency services pronounced the 39-year-old dead at the scene. Authorities have stated that her death is not being treated as suspicious. The New York City Medical Examiner’s Office declared the cause of death as “undetermined” after her family declined an autopsy, citing religious reasons. In a statement, the family requested privacy during this time of mourning.
Trachtenberg had a prolific career, beginning as a child actress with notable roles in “Harriet the Spy” and later as Dawn Summers in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” She also portrayed Georgina Sparks in “Gossip Girl.” In early 2024, she addressed public concerns about her health, reassuring fans that she was “happy and healthy” despite noticeable weight loss and signs of jaundice. It was later revealed that she had undergone a liver transplant prior to her death.
Following the news of her passing, tributes poured in from colleagues and friends. Sarah Michelle Gellar, her co-star from “Buffy,” shared a heartfelt message, and other co-stars from “Gossip Girl,” including Blake Lively and Chace Crawford, also expressed their condolences. The family has asked for privacy as they grieve this significant loss.
