Buffy The Vampire Slayer and 17 Again star Michelle Trachtenberg sadly passes away at 39

The entire film industry receives a bolt from the blue with the sudden passing of Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Michelle Trachtenberg (also known from classics like 17 Again and Gossip Girl) at the mere age of 39. Per ABC News, Michelle was recently tackling some health issues related to a liver transplant and the latest news has revealed that she was discovered dead on the morning of February 26, 2025 (Wednesday).

Michelle's mother was reportedly the first person to find that her daughter (who was then staying at her New York residence) is no more. As reported by multiple sources, the time of the discovery was somewhere around 8 a.m. LT. Police statements have already started coming in, and so far it is being speculated that the cause of Michelle's passing is natural.

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Michelle Trachtenberg from Gossip Girl passes away at 39

Not only has Michelle Trachtenberg won millions of hearts over the years with her versatile on-screen presence but also set new trademarks in multiple genres like rom-com, teen-comedy, and supernatural drama. Nickelodeon was the first TV network that gave her a debut scope with the classic sitcom The Adventures Of Pete & Pete (1994 to 1996).

From there, her journey has been quite something with romantic drama like Gossip Girl as well as supernatural drama shows, namely Buffy the Vampire Slayer (where she portrayed the character Dawn Summers). Michelle Trachtenberg is also a known face from the 2004 cult classic and teen comedy movie Euro Trip. Moreover, the 2009 BO hit drama 17 Again is also one of her timeless contributions.

The sudden demise of an actress of such magnitude has led to an intense, emotional moment for her fans - especially the ones who clearly remember her delivering some of the best and most sassy dialogues in Gossip Girl. Social media is already overflowing with sudden outbursts of emotions through posts, stories, and comments, as the statements from authorities add further details on the case.

Per Variety, so far there is no confirmation on Michelle's actual cause of death but medical examiners are linking it to her history of liver-related complications. According to reports, an autopsy is already underway and will further shed some light on the untimely passing of the 39-year-old star.

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Michelle Trachtenberg was around ten years old when she bagged her debut lead film role for the 1996 comedy classic Harriet The Spy, per reports. Back in 2021, she reflected on her part and reportedly mentioned in a statement, saying:

"There was a lot required of me. I’m extremely grateful for the experience."

Some of her other notable projects include:

• Discovery Kids' Truth Or Scare (2001 to 2003)
• NBC's medical drama Mercy (2009 to 2010)
• The Scribbler (a 2014 sci-fi film)
• Walt Disney's Ice Princess (2005)
• Black X-Mas (2006 slasher remake)

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