Stars pay tribute as Gossip Girl actress Michelle Trachtenberg dies
Many Hollywood stars have been paying tribute to the actress Michelle Trachtenberg, following the news of her sudden passing at the age of 39.
Yesterday (February 26), a representative for Michelle’s family released a statement to announce that she had died.
"It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss," the statement read.
Michelle initially shot to fame in Buffy the Vampire Slayer in 2000, playing Buffy’s younger sister, Dawn Summers. Michelle then went on to star in the hit teen drama Gossip Girl from 2008 until 2012, in the role of Georgina Sparks.
Yesterday, Manhattan police confirmed that they responded to an emergency call at the actress’ apartment. The call was reportedly made by Michelle’s mother.
The emergency services found Michelle "unconscious and unresponsive", and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following her heartbreaking passing, Michelle’s previous co-stars have started to take to Instagram to express their sadness.
Alyson Hannigan, who starred in Buffy as Willow Rosenberg, uploaded multiple snaps of the pair during their time on the beloved supernatural show.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing. She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends,” the 50-year-old stated.
On her Instagram stories, Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively posted a still of herself and Michelle on screen together. In her lengthy tribute, the 37-year-old described her co-star as “electricity” and “a kind person, through and through.”
“The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle. May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire,” Blake penned.
Sex and the City’s Kim Cattrall, who acted with Michelle in the Disney film Ice Princess, also wrote: “Rest in peace sweet Michelle.”
It is believed that Michelle underwent a liver transplant in the weeks before her passing. The NYPD have since noted that they are not treating the actress’ death as suspicious, and that "criminality is not suspected."
