Was Michelle Trachtenberg in a relationship? Dating history explored as ex Shawn Ashmore speaks out following her death

Michelle Trachtenberg passed away at her mother’s New York City apartment, sources told ABC News and The New York Post.

Trachtenberg was dating her longtime talent agent, Jay Cohen. Their relationship rumors were first reported in 2020 by Us Weekly. The couple kept their romance private and occasionally posted pictures with one another on their respective Instagram handles. Days before her tragic demise, Michelle Trachtenberg dedicated a Valentine’s Day post to Jay Cohen. She uploaded a Halloween Day picture and wrote:

“Happy Valentine’s Day to the man who sits still long enough for me to paint his face.”

The Gossip Girl actress signed with Gersh in 2014, where Cohen worked since 2009. The film producer is a partner at the talent agency and heads its film finance and distribution division. Following Michelle Trachtenberg’s death, Jay Cohen was approached by DailyMail for a comment. The talent agent, who responded at his LA home, reportedly said:

“The family will not be commenting on the tragedy.”

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer actress was 39 at the time of her passing and recently had a liver transplant, as per The New York Post.

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More about Michelle Trachtenberg’s relationship history

Over the years, many rumors and reports went public about Trachtenberg's relationship status. In the 2000s, the EuroTrip actress was in a two-year relationship with the X-Men star, Shawn Ashmore.

Michelle talked about her relationship with Shawn in a 2005 interview with Black Film. Trachtenberg revealed that they met at an Oscars party, where she approached him.

The couple reportedly dated between 2004 and 2006. After Michelle Trachtenberg's untimely death, Shawn Ashmore even shared his thoughts on Instagram. He shared their old picture and wrote:

“Incredibly sad to hear about Michelle’s passing. She was an incredible person and I will always remember the years we spent together fondly."

Ashmore added:

"She was loving, quirky and would never pass up a law and order SVU marathon:) My condolences to her mother Lana and sister Irene! This is an incredible loss!”

According to In Touch Weekly, Trachtenberg briefly dated or was linked with Pete Wentz, Jason Lewis, and Joshua Radin in the years following her split with Shawn Ashmore.

As per the magazine, she was also rumored to be in a relationship with Jason Segal, Josh Groban, and Kid Cudi. Between 2008 and 2010, Trachtenberg reportedly dated Scott Sanford, and the former couple also clicked together at 2009’s Diane Von Furstenberg NYFW show.

After her death, Trachtenberg’s rep, Gary Mantoosh, confirmed the news to The New York Post in a statement:

“It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time.”

According to 6 ABC Philadelphia, the actress has been believed to have died of natural causes. The channel further reported that the authorities will conduct an autopsy to determine the “cause and manner of death.”