Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl,” tragically died at the age of 39 with many of her co-stars paying tribute to her…
Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her performances in series such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl,” has tragically died at the age of 39.
“It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away,” a representative for the actress said in a statement released. “The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time.”
While there’s no confirmation on the cause of death, Trachtenberg reportedly had a liver transplant recently and TMZ claims that her body may have rejected to donor organ, which potentially led to her death. Sadly, her mother found her unresponsive in her New York apartment on Thursday before calling for emergency services.
Trachtenberg was announced dead at the scene.
A native of New York City, Trachtenberg got her start in acting at just 3 years old when she appeared in several commercials before landing numerous television roles including a part on the soap opera “All My Children.” In 1996, Trachtenberg got her biggest break into film when she starred in the movie “Harriet the Spy.”
Then in 2000, Trachtenberg landed arguably her most iconic role when she joined “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” as Buffy’s younger sister Dawn Summers. She appeared as a series regular starting in season 5 and remained on the show through the finale in season 7.
Following news of her tragic death, many of Trachtenberg’s co-stars from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” paid tribute to her on social media.
James Marsters, who famously played Spike on the long running series, called Trachtenberg a “beautiful soul” who “died much too young.” See his full post below:
Alyson Hannigan, who played Buffy’s best friend Willow on the show, also posted a tribute to Trachtenberg on Wednesday.
David Boreanaz, who played Angel on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” posted a tribute to Trachtenberg on his Instagram stories.
Nicholas Brendon, who played Xander on the series, addressed Trachtenberg’s tragic passing with a video message posted on his Facebook page that said:
“I didn’t see her much after Buffy, a couple of events together, but when we were working together she was just like a beam of light,” Brendon said. “Dawn, the little sister to series lead Buffy Summers, always harbored a crush on her sister’s friend Xander, who himself harbored a crush on Buffy. The pair developed a close friendship which eventually evolved into a relationship that turned tragic when Xander stepped up to take care of Dawn through a degenerative spiritual illness.
“I think it was just the last thing I expected, not that I was expecting anyone to die. But I really am sorry to her family.”
Emma Caulfield, who played Anya on the series, also posted a tribute on her Instagram.
Clare Kramer, who famously played a major part in Dawn’s introduction into the “Buffy” universe, also posted a tribute to Trachtenberg on Wednesday.
