Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* and *Gossip Girl*, has sadly passed away at the age of 39. She was found unconscious at her Manhattan residence following an emergency call, and authorities confirmed she was pronounced dead at the scene. Identified for her iconic portrayal as Dawn Summers in *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* and sharp-witted Georgina Sparks in *Gossip Girl*, her career began at just nine years old on Nickelodeon.
Her film debut was in *Harriet the Spy* (1996), and she had also starred in titles like *EuroTrip* and *Killing Kennedy*. Many who worked alongside her expressed their heartbreak, including co-stars like Blake Lively, who acknowledged Trachtenberg’s passionate approach to her craft and her strong bonds of friendship. “She cared deeply about her work and was fiercely loyal," Lively wrote.
Other tributes came from Rosie O'Donnell, who described Trachtenberg as “heartbreaking” and a friend in need. Fellow *Buffy* actor James Marsters labeled her “fiercely intelligent” and “howlingly funny.” Additionally, *Gossip Girl* writer Josh Safran reflected on the joy of working with her.
Trachtenberg last appeared in the HBO Max *Gossip Girl* reboot this year and had recently hosted a true-crime series, *Meet, Marry, Murder*. Following her passing, her family requested privacy and a statement specified that her death is being treated as non-suspicious with an ongoing investigation to determine the cause. In a career reflective of her dynamic personality, Trachtenberg leaves behind a lasting legacy in the industry and in the hearts of her fans.
