Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has died at the age of 39. She was found unresponsive by her mother on Wednesday morning at her apartment in Manhattan’s Central Park South.
Emergency responders arrived following a 911 call and pronounced her dead at the scene. Authorities have stated that her death is not considered suspicious, and an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause.
Trachtenberg had shared concerning images on Instagram in recent months, leading to speculation about her health. In January, she reassured fans that she was “happy and healthy.”
Born in New York City on October 11, 1985, she began acting as a child and gained recognition in The Adventures of Pete & Pete before starring in Harriet the Spy (1996). She later became widely known for playing Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl.
Following the news of her passing, co-stars and colleagues, including Rosie O’Donnell and Ed Westwick, paid tribute to her, remembering her talent and impact on the entertainment industry.
