Michelle Trachtenberg’s rep confirmed her death on Wednesday, February 26, shortly after news broke about her passing.
“It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away,” the actress’ rep told Us Weekly in a statement. “The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time.”
The statement was released shortly after police sources confirmed to Us on Wednesday that Trachtenberg was found unconscious inside her New York City apartment. The Gossip Girl alum was 39.
The cause of death has not yet been reported, with police sources telling Us that the incident is not believed to be suspicious.
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According to multiple insiders, Trachtenberg had a liver transplant before her death. (Page Six also reported on the transplant.)
Fans previously expressed concerns over Trachtenberg’s health after she posted a photo with friend Alexa PenaVega in January 2024. “Michelle u look sick. R u ok?” one user wrote in the Instagram comments section.
Trachtenberg fired back, “Explain to me how I look sick. Did you lose a calendar and not realize I’m not 14. I’m 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment.”
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The actress — who gained fame as a child star while playing a sleuth in 1996’s Harriet the Spy — continued to clap back at the negativity in a series of social media posts.
“I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance,” Trachtenberg captioned a selfie in 2024. “I have never had plastic surgery I am happy and healthy. Check yourself haters.”
Since news broke of Trachtenberg’s death, celebrities and former costars from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gossip Girl and beyond have shared touching tributes to the actress.
“So very sad… horrible news,” Buffy’s David Boreanaz, who played Angel on the series, wrote via his Instagram Story on Wednesday. “R.I.P. and prayers to her and her family.”
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Ed Westwick, who portrayed Chuck Bass on Gossip Girl, shared his own Instagram Story tribute, noting that he’s “sending prayers.”
Trachtenberg’s Harriet the Spy costar Rosie O’Donnell reacted to the “heartbreaking” news in a statement to Us, adding, “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
“Oh Michy … and we lived so close to one another,” Melissa Gilbert, who worked with Trachtenberg on 1996’s A Holiday for Love, wrote via Instagram, sharing a throwback photo from the film. “My heart aches for your family and all those who loved you so… @michelletrachtenberg #ripsweetgirl.”
