Following the news of Michelle Trachtenberg's tragic death at the age of 39, a number of celebrities and co-stars have taken to social media to pay tribute to the beloved actress.
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The actress was found dead by her mother early Wednesday morning at One Columbus Place, a luxury high-rise near Central Park in Manhattan, police sources confirmed to The New York Post.
Officers arrived to find her “unconscious and unresponsive” before EMS pronounced her dead at the scene. While her cause of death remains unknown, police have stated that it is not being treated as suspicious.
The New York City medical examiner is set to determine an official ruling.
Sources have since revealed to the outlet that the actress had recently undergone a liver transplant, though it is unclear whether it played a role in her passing.
A Career That Defined a Generation
Born in New York City on October 11, 1985, Trachtenberg began acting at the age of three.
She gained early recognition on Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete before breaking out in 1996’s Harriet the Spy. She later took on major roles as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the manipulative Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl.
Her film credits included teen classics such as EuroTrip, Ice Princess, and 17 Again.
Now, following the news of her passing, stars have paid tribute to Trachtenberg.
Rosie O'Donnell, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in Harriet the Spy, described the star's death as "heartbreaking" in a statement, adding: "I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped."
Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick – who played Chuck Bass on the show - wrote on his Instagram Stories: “So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg sending prayers".
“So very sad …horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family," wrote Buffy co-star David Boreanaz on his Instagram Stories.
Kim Cattrall wrote of her Ice Princess costar: "Rest in peace sweet Michelle."
Fellow former child star and Nickelodeon alum Kenan Thompson wrote in a touching Instagram post: "Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! Check on your people!!!"
Michelle's ex-boyfriend Shawn Ashmore - whom Michelle dated between 2004 and 2006 - penned a tribute on social media.
"Incredibly sad to hear about Michelle’s passing," he wrote. "She was an incredible person and I will always remember the years we spent together fondly. She was loving, quirky and would never pass up a law and order SVU marathon:"
Ashmore added: "My condolences to her mother Lana and sister Irene! This is an incredible loss!"
Melissa Gilbert, who starred alongside Melissa Gilbert in A Holiday for Love, wrote on Instagram: "Oh Michy… And we lived so close to one another…..my heart aches for your family and all those who loved you so… @michelletrachtenberg #ripsweetgirl".
Just a week before her death, on February 18, Trachtenberg posted a throwback photo of herself wearing a green dress, captioning it, “I wanted to look like naughty, #Tinkerbell.”
Since news of her passing broke, the post has been flooded with messages from devastated fans.
“Rest in peace. Thank you for raising us all with your endless iconic roles,” one person wrote. Another added, “Rest in peace, Michelle [...] you crafted so many characters that many of us were connected to. You captivated us with unique stories. Thank you for sharing your life & talent with us. You’ll be missed.”
One fan shared a personal memory: “I met you once at an airport about 18 years ago, coming back from deployment. You sat and talked with me for about 45 minutes when you didn’t have to while we were waiting on our flight to Chicago. I kept that picture all the way up until last year when my computer crashed and it was lost. Thanks for the conversation and the memory, Michelle. Fair winds and following seas wherever your eternity lies.”
Prior to this final post, Trachtenberg had shared a series of throwback photos on February 17, 15, and 14, as well as a Valentine’s Day post dedicated to her partner, talent agent Jay Cohen.
On February 12, she posted a more recent selfie with the caption, “Eye of the Tiger.”
Health Speculation and Her Defiant Response
Over the past year, fans had expressed concern about Trachtenberg’s appearance, noting an alleged weight loss and an apparent yellowish tint in her eyes. These concerns led to speculation about her health, but the actress adamantly defended herself.
“Explain to me how I look sick,” she wrote in response to a follower’s comment last January. She also pushed back against those who still saw her as the child star they grew up with, saying: “Did you lose a calendar and not realize I’m not 14? I’m 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment.”
In a separate post, she doubled down: “I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery. I am happy and healthy. Check yourself, haters.”
As Hollywood mourns the loss of a beloved actress who shaped the childhoods of so many, questions remain about what led to her tragic passing.
While investigations continue, fans continue to flood her social media with tributes, remembering her talent, kindness, and legacy that entertained a generation.
Our thoughts go out to all of Trachtenberg's family, friends, and fans at this time.