The entertainment world is mourning the loss of actress Michelle Trachtenberg, who was found deceased in her New York City residence on February 26, 2025, at the age of 39.
Known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, Trachtenberg's unexpected passing has elicited heartfelt tributes from friends and colleagues, notably from Princess Eugenie of York.
Princess Eugenie, who developed a close friendship with Trachtenberg during her time in New York between 2013 and 2015, expressed her sorrow on Instagram.
She wrote: "Goodbye special friend. You are so loved and missed. Thank you for so many memories of laughter and fun. You were so thoughtful and generous and sooo funny."
Eugenie fondly recalled Trachtenberg's meticulous approach to ordering food, adding: "My favourite was listening to you order food, always done with precision so you got exactly what we all wanted." She concluded her tribute with: "I'm thinking of you up there friend, of your spirit that was so bright and your joy you brought to so many."
Their friendship was well-documented over the years. In 2013, the duo was spotted attending a basketball game at Madison Square Garden.
Trachtenberg often shared moments of their bond on social media, once describing Eugenie as "one of the most dearest, kindest, most genuine friends I have ever had in my life."
The New York Police Department responded to an emergency call and found Trachtenberg "unconscious and unresponsive" in her apartment. Authorities have stated that "criminality is not suspected," and the cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner.
In a statement, Trachtenberg's family conveyed their grief: "It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss."
Tributes have poured in from the entertainment industry. Sarah Michelle Gellar, who portrayed Buffy Summers alongside Trachtenberg's Dawn Summers, shared a poignant message: "Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you. The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you."
Blake Lively, Trachtenberg's co-star from Gossip Girl, reflected on her vibrant personality: "She laughed the fullest at someone's joke... she cared deeply about her work, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself."
Michelle Trachtenberg's career spanned several decades, beginning with her role as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and later as Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl. Her sudden passing has left a void in the hearts of many, with fans and friends alike remembering her for her talent, generosity, and the joy she brought into their lives.