Michelle Trachtenberg, Gossip Girl and Buffy actress, dies aged 39

American actress Michelle Trachtenberg recently passed away at the age of 39. Trachtenberg rose to prominence as a child star in the 1990s and early 2000s, and news of her passing has deeply saddened fans and industry insiders alike.

According to Manhattan police, they responded to an emergency call on Wednesday morning and arrived on the scene to find Trachtenberg "unconscious and unresponsive," and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are currently investigating the cause of death, but preliminary findings suggest no foul play. "No signs of criminality were apparent. The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing," the New York Police Department said in a statement.

Trachtenberg was best known for her roles as Buffy's sister, Dawn Summers, in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," and as the scheming socialite Georgina Sparks in "Gossip Girl." She made her screen debut in the 1996 film "Harriet the Spy" and participated in several Nickelodeon productions.

A representative for Trachtenberg's family confirmed her death in a statement. "It is with immense sadness that we confirm the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg. The family asks for privacy during this time of mourning," the statement read. Her acting career began at the age of nine with a role in the Nickelodeon television series "The Adventures of Pete & Pete." In the early 2000s, she received several performance award nominations for her role in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," including a Daytime Emmy Award.

Rosie O'Donnell, the American comedian who co-starred with Trachtenberg in "Harriet the Spy," said her passing was "heartbreaking." "I loved her so much. She was struggling the last few years. I wish I could have helped." "Gossip Girl" actor Ed Westwick posted a photo of Trachtenberg as Georgina Sparks on Instagram, writing, "So sad to hear about the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg. Sending prayers." "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" actor David Boreanaz also wrote on Instagram, "So sad. Terrible news." James Marsters paid tribute to Trachtenberg on social media, calling the actress "incredibly smart, incredibly funny, and incredibly talented." "She was taken too soon and will be missed by so many who knew and loved her," Marsters said.

Trachtenberg first appeared in "Gossip Girl" in 2008. In 2023, she reprised the role, appearing in two episodes of the HBO Max reboot's second season. Her most recent significant acting role was in 2021, as the host of the true-crime documentary series "Meet, Marry, Murder," which aired on the digital streaming platform Tubi. In 2021, Trachtenberg accused "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" creator Joss Whedon of misconduct on set, after her co-star Charisma Carpenter said she suffered emotional trauma as a result of Whedon's treatment.