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Michelle Trachtenberg dies aged 39: Gossip Girl, Buffy co-stars and more pay tribute
Michelle Trachtenberg was found dead in her New York City apartment by her mother on Wednesday.
Fans of Michelle Trachtenberg were left heartbroken following the news the star died on Wednesday. According to ABC News in the US, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum had recently undergone a liver transplant, with police sources speculating she may have been experiencing complications. Her mother found her in her New York City apartment, according to local police.
Michelle Trachtenberg's cause of death
According to CNN, an NYPD source says her death appears to be of natural causes. The NYPD said in a statement, "Criminality is not suspected. The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing."
Stars pay tribute to Michelle Trachtenberg
Rosie O'Donnell, who co-starred with Michelle in her first lead role in Harriet the Spy, told Us Weekly, "Heartbreaking. I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped."
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Michelle's Gossip Girl co-star Ed Westwick shared a post on his Instagram Stories that read, "So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg. Sending prayers."
James Marsters, who worked with Michelle on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, wrote on Instagram, "My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person.
"She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her. My heart goes out to her family who are good people, and are suffering the greatest loss anyone could bear. I hope everyone can give them space to heal in this most difficult time. Godspeed Michelle. You are missed."
Kim Cattrall wrote of her Ice Princess co-star, "Rest in peace sweet Michelle."
Former Nickelodeon star, Kenan Thompson, wrote, "Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! Check on your people!"
Melissa Joan Hart worked with Michelle on Clarissa Explains It All and shared a tribute that read, "I'm heartbroken to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg!! So young, so talented and so sweet! Here is a fun scene from when she was on #ClarissaExplainsItAll. I think this was about 1992 and the episode was an idea I had about babysitting a total nightmare. But Michelle was nothing like her character and even this young, we got along wonderfully."
Shawn Ashmore, who dated Michelle from 2004 to 2006, shared a tribute that read, "Incredibly sad to hear about Michelle’s passing. She was an incredible person and I will always remember the years we spent together fondly. She was loving, quirky and would never pass up a law and order SVU marathon."
He added, "My condolences to her mother Lana and sister Irene! This is an incredible loss!"
Gossip Girl creators and showrunners Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage told NBC News, "We are deeply saddened by the news of Michelle's passing. Michelle was so funny, kind, and talented. Her portrayal of Georgina Sparks was an iconic fan favorite, and grew from a one season villain to a beloved character who returned over the course of six seasons."
They added, "She was a delight to have on set and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with her family."
Fellow former Buffy the Vampire Slayer star, David Boreanaz, wrote that the news was "so very sad", adding, "Horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family."
Michelle Trachtenberg's career
Michelle began acting at an early age, appearing in commercials before landing roles on Nickelodeon's The Adventures of Pete & Pete, and All My Children. Her role as kid detective in Harriet the Spy was her big break.
After this, she began working on shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, in which she starred as Sarah Michelle Gellar's sister, as well as Disney's Ice Princess, and 17 Again, opposite Zac Efron and Matthew Perry.
She also reprised her role as Georgina Sparks in the Gossip Girl reboot, which would be one of her final onscreen roles.
In recent years she retreated from the public eye, but remained active on social media, sharing throwback photos from events and red carpets.
Her final post on Instagram was a throwback photo, where she wrote, "I wanted to look like a naughty #tinkerbell #throwback."
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