Michelle Trachtenberg, who rose to fame in Harriet the Spy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer and later had a memorable role on Gossip Girl, has died at the age of 39, the New York Police Department confirmed to E! News on Feb. 26.
According to NYPD, police responded to a 911 call around 8 a.m. local time. Upon arrival, officers observed a 39-year-old female, later identified at Trachtenberg, "unconscious and unresponsive."
"EMS responded to the location and pronounced the victim deceased," NYPD said. "Criminality is not suspected. The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing."
ABC News, citing police sources, reported that Trachtenberg was found in her NYC apartment by her mother. The outlet, citing the same sources, also reported that Trachtenberg recently underwent a liver transplant and "may have been experiencing complications."
Trachtenberg's rep also confirmed her passing to E! News. "The family requests privacy for their loss," the statement read. "There are no further details at this time.”
Among the first to react to Trachtenberg's death on social media was her Gossip Girl costar Ed Westwick, who wrote on his Instagram Stories Feb. 26, "So sad to hear of the passing of @MichelleTrachtenberg sending prayers."
While Trachtenberg had not appeared on screen in recent years—her last TV credits are for her reprised role as Georgina Sparks on the Gossip Girl reboot in 2022—she was active on social media, sharing what would be her final Instagram post on Feb. 18.
Days earlier, on Feb. 15, Trachtenberg shared a throwback photo from a red carpet event.
"A memory, a magical night in #newyork," she captioned the Instagram pic. "I remember feeling like Cinderella! Wishing everyone an ethereal weekend."
Trachtenberg also shared a celebratory Instagram tribute to talent agent Jay Cohen on Feb. 14.
Alongside a photo of the duo from Halloween, Trachtenberg wrote, "Happy Valentine’s Day to the man who sits still long enough for me to paint his face."
In January 2024, the actress had responded to concerns for her health after posting a series of selfies online.
"Explain to me how I look sick," she replied to a commenter. "Did you lose a calendar and not realize I'm not 14. I'm 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment."
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