Nearly five months after the tragic passing of actress Michelle Trachtenberg, her longtime boyfriend Jay Cohen has publicly acknowledged the loss for the first time.
In a heartfelt Instagram post marking the 26th anniversary of his life-saving kidney transplant, Cohen reflected on themes of resilience, healing, and gratitude. While the post didn’t directly address Trachtenberg’s death, Cohen touched on the emotional toll he’s faced in recent months, according to US Weekly.
“I am so grateful to all of you who are in my life sharing our common joys, helping me with tragedies and healing from pain and grief,” he wrote in the July 9 post, according to Us Weekly. “I’m sure many of you know what I mean when I write that.”
When a follower commented asking whether he would speak publicly about Trachtenberg, Cohen responded: “One day soon! I'm very sorry [...].”
Though some defended him from the question, calling it “not cool,” Cohen replied with compassion: “Thank you, it’s OK, comes from the right place. Michelle was loved by so many.”
Cohen also shared how he has been prioritizing his health and well-being during this difficult period. “As always, I’m still in the gym keeping my mind and body in shape, healthy and calm,” he wrote. He revealed he has added several personal tattoos as reminders of his values and identity.
“When I look in the mirror as I wake and get ready for bed I remind myself of who I am, who I need to be and why I am,” he said. “An extremely important rule in my life, never do anything that I will not want to see when I look in the mirror and ask myself, ‘Was I true today?’”
Cohen concluded his message with an encouraging note: “Believe in love, believe in faith and spirituality, care about others. Life and aging are humbling.”
Cohen and Trachtenberg had been in a relationship since 2020.
Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gossip Girl, and Ice Princess, passed away on February 26, 2025, at the age of 39. Her mother, Lana Trachtenberg, reportedly found her in her Manhattan apartment that morning.
According to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, her cause of death was complications from diabetes mellitus, and her passing was ruled as natural. It was also reported that she had recently undergone a liver transplant.
In the months leading up to her death, fans expressed concern over Trachtenberg’s appearance, noting her visibly thin frame and hair loss in social media photos. In response to the scrutiny, Trachtenberg addressed the comments directly, denying any plastic surgery and asserting her health and self-confidence.
“I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance,” she wrote at the time. “I have never had plastic surgery. I am happy and healthy. Check yourself, haters.”
Trachtenberg’s candid response drew praise from fans who admired her strength and transparency.
Her death marked a heartbreaking end to the life of a beloved child star who continued to inspire fans well into adulthood.