New York: Michelle Trachtenberg, the actress known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has died at the age of 39. Law enforcement sources confirmed that Trachtenberg was found unconscious and unresponsive at her Manhattan residence on Wednesday morning.
The actress was discovered by her mother around 8 a.m. at One Columbus Place, a luxury high-rise near Central Park South. Emergency medical services pronounced her dead at the scene. The NYPD stated that her death is not being treated as suspicious, and the city medical examiner will determine the official cause. Sources indicated that Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant.
Born on October 11, 1985, in New York City, Trachtenberg gained fame at a young age, landing her first credited role at nine on Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete. She later starred in Harriet the Spy (1996), cementing her status as a rising child star. However, she became widely recognized for her portrayal of Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl.
In 2021, Trachtenberg publicly accused Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon of inappropriate behavior on set, stating that a rule had been put in place to prevent him from being alone with her. She had also spoken about overcoming childhood trauma in past interviews.
Trachtenberg’s unexpected passing has left Hollywood in mourning, with fans and colleagues paying tribute to her career and legacy.
