Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away at the age of 39
Blake Lively Shares Heartbreaking Tribute to Late Gossip Girl Co-Star Michelle Trachtenberg
Hollywood is mourning the sudden loss of actress Michelle Trachtenberg, who was tragically found dead at One Columbus Place, New York, yesterday morning (February 26) at the age of 39.
Her Gossip Girl co-star, Blake Lively, has paid an emotional tribute, honoring Trachtenberg’s life and legacy.
Authorities have confirmed that no foul play is suspected in her passing, and the cause of death will be determined by a medical examiner.
In a statement, Trachtenberg’s representatives expressed their deep sorrow, saying, “It is with great sadness that we confirm Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy during this difficult time.”
As tributes pour in from fans and colleagues alike, Trachtenberg’s impact on the entertainment industry—and the hearts of those who knew her—will never be forgotten.
Blake Lively Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Michelle Trachtenberg: “She Was Electricity”
Blake Lively has taken to Instagram to honor her late Gossip Girl co-star and dear friend, Michelle Trachtenberg, reflecting on her kind and electric spirit.
Sharing a poignant throwback photo from the day they first met nearly two decades ago on the set of the hit drama, Lively wrote:
“This is the first day I met Michelle. She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200 percent.”
The mother of four continued her moving tribute, describing Trachtenberg’s unwavering passion and fearless nature:
“She laughed the fullest at someone’s joke, she faced authority head-on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work. She was proud to be a part of this community and industry—as painful as it could be sometimes. She was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved. She was big and bold and distinctly herself.”
As fans and fellow actors mourn the devastating loss, Lively’s tribute serves as a powerful reminder of the vibrant and unforgettable presence Trachtenberg brought to both the screen and those around her.
Blake Lively Remembers Michelle Trachtenberg: “The World Lost a Deeply Sensitive and Good Person”
Blake Lively has shared a deeply moving tribute to her late Gossip Girl co-star Michelle Trachtenberg, reflecting on the actress’s warmth, kindness, and attention to life’s smallest, sweetest details.
Lively fondly recalled how the Buffy the Vampire Slayer star “always” wore “yummy caramel-smelling lip gloss”—not just to “sparkle on camera” but because she “liked creating a nice experience for anyone who was in her orbit, even down to the subtle smell of her lip gloss, because she cared about the sweet details.”
“She was a kind person, through and through,” Lively wrote, before urging her 44 million followers to cherish their loved ones in the wake of this sudden loss.
“Time passes,” she reflected. “You take for granted that you get the chance to see an old friend. To paraphrase, the real tragedies in life are the ones that blindside you on an idle Tuesday.”
Concluding her heartfelt tribute, Lively honored Trachtenberg’s legacy:
“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.”
As fans and friends continue to mourn, Lively’s words serve as a poignant reminder of the bright, irreplaceable presence Trachtenberg brought into the lives of those around her.
Hollywood Mourns Michelle Trachtenberg as Gossip Girl Star Ed Westwick and Fans Pay Tribute
The entertainment industry continues to reel from the heartbreaking news of Michelle Trachtenberg’s passing, with tributes pouring in from co-stars and fans alike.
Fellow Gossip Girl alum Ed Westwick took to his Instagram Story to express his sorrow, writing: “So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg. Sending prayers,” alongside a prayer emoji and a white heart.
Trachtenberg’s career began at an astonishingly young age, making her acting debut at just three years old. She gained early recognition in Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete (1994–1996) before starring in the 2004 cult classic Eurotrip. However, it was her unforgettable performances as Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl and Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer that cemented her legacy in Hollywood. Her work on Buffy earned her three Saturn Award nominations and a Young Artist Award.
Beyond television, Trachtenberg showcased her versatility in films such as Ice Princess (2005) and 17 Again (2009), where she starred alongside Zac Efron. She also lent her voice to the character Judy Reilly in the animated comedy series Human Kind Of, which premiered on Facebook Watch.
As the world mourns, fans have flooded social media with heartfelt tributes, remembering Trachtenberg as a “legendary” and “incredibly talented” actress who left an indelible mark on the industry.
LADbible Group has reached out to the NYPD and Trachtenberg’s representatives for further comment.
