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At the age of 39, Michelle Trachtenberg, recognized for her performances in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has sadly passed away.The actress, who began her acting career as a child star, was announced dead on Wednesday morning after being found unconscious and unresponsive by the police.
This sad news shocked fans and celebrities alike. Friends and co-actors, including Sarah Michelle Geller, have penned emotional tributes to the late actress.
Sarah (as Buffy) played the role of Michelle's older sister in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series.
The actress posted a moving tribute to Michelle via her official Instagram page @sarahmgeller. The post included a series of pictures showing Sarah and Michelle together with the caption:
"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."
This tribute is a reference to the last words Buffy told her sister Dawn before her death in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
@PopBase on X shared the tribute, and netizens had a lot to say about the post.
"I was doing okay, I was hanging in there with all of life's punches….until she said this. All grief just collided," @Tracy_Perez commented.
"OK, I was handling Michelle's passing rather well until I read that... But I wouldn't have expected Sarah to say anything else." @valsadie stated.
"Buffy fans, this one hurts. RIP Michelle Trachtenberg. 'I will live… for you.'" @MateenX360 replied.
Netizens described the sadness they felt upon hearing the news.
"Very sorry to hear this. I remember watching her in the movie Harriet the spy when I was in elementary school. Was a fan of hers on buffy the vampire slayer as well. Gone way too soon." @mbostic0 tweeted.
"I felt like I've just been shot… rest in peace, Michelle," @waterwitch888 commented.
"I loved her in all the roles she played. She made up part of my favorite childhood shows. I'm so sad by this. I hope her family and friends are doing as best they can from this loss," @thicksyrup_ added.
More details on Michelle Trachtenberg's death
Michelle Trachtenberg was first featured as a child in the Nickelodeon TV series The Adventures of Pete & Pete. As a teenager, she starred as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. As an adult, the late actress was known for her role as the manipulative socialite Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl.
Michelle Trachtenberg starred in EuroTrip, Killing Kennedy, Ice Princess, and Sister Cities.
Read more: Who is Michelle Trachtenberg's sister? Everything to know about the late actress' family
On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, the police rushed to Trachtenberg's Manhattan apartment, where she was found unconscious and unresponsive. The EMS pronounced her dead.
According to the NYPD, no criminality is suspected despite ongoing investigations.
Michelle Trachtenberg is survived by her mom and siblings.
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