Sun Mar 02 19:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Beloved Actress Michelle Trachtenberg Dies at 39

**New York, NY** – Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* and *Gossip Girl*, has passed away at the age of 39. Trachtenberg was found deceased in her New York City apartment Wednesday morning.

Law enforcement sources, speaking to ABC News, stated that Trachtenberg’s mother discovered her body shortly after 8 a.m. While the actress had recently undergone a liver transplant, authorities believe her death was due to natural causes and that no foul play is suspected. An autopsy is pending to determine the official cause and manner of death.

Trachtenberg, a New York City native, began her acting career as a child star, appearing in Nickelodeon projects like *The Adventures of Pete & Pete* and *Harriet the Spy*. She rose to prominence playing Dawn Summers on *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* (2000-2003), earning a Teen Choice Award nomination for her performance. More recently, she fondly reminisced about her time on the show, sharing a photo with co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar just last month.

From 2008 to 2012, Trachtenberg portrayed the iconic villain Georgina Sparks on the hit CW series *Gossip Girl*, receiving a Teen Choice Award nomination for her role. She also appeared in a range of films, including *EuroTrip*, *17 Again*, and *The Scribbler*, as well as various television shows such as *Mercy*, *Weeds*, and *Truth or Dare*. Trachtenberg even made a cameo appearance in Fall Out Boy’s music video for “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race.” She reprised her role in the recent *Gossip Girl* reboot.

Trachtenberg’s death has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, with fans and colleagues mourning the loss of the talented actress.

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