The 39-year-old Gossip Girl star was found dead in her New York home on Wednesday (February 26)
Fans of much-loved Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Michelle Trachtenberg may never find out how she died, following opposition in New York.
On the morning of February 26, tragedy struck as Michelle Trachtenberg, the beloved 39-year-old actress, was found dead at her home in One Columbus Place, New York City. Authorities quickly responded to a 911 call around 8:00 a.m. and discovered her unconscious and unresponsive. EMS pronounced her dead at the scene, and the NYPD confirmed that foul play was not suspected. In a statement, the NYPD said, “Criminality is not suspected. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing.”
The actress’s family issued a heartfelt statement through a representative, which read: “It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg. The family requests privacy during this difficult time.” As of now, the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has yet to determine the cause and manner of her death, leaving the situation shrouded in mystery.
In a deeply personal decision, Michelle Trachtenberg’s family has cited religious reasons for objecting to an autopsy, which means her cause of death may never be publicly revealed. Although the medical examiner holds the authority to override this opposition, the lack of suspicion regarding foul play or criminal activity led the office to honor the family’s wishes. As a result, only an external examination of her body will be conducted.
The entertainment world is now in mourning, with Trachtenberg’s Gossip Girl co-star, Blake Lively, sharing a heartfelt tribute on her Instagram story. Lively posted a photo from the first day she met Michelle on the set of the hit drama, writing: “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.”
Blake Lively’s tribute to Michelle Trachtenberg continued with heartfelt words that highlighted the essence of her late friend: “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.”
Lively went on to reflect on the passage of time: “Time passes. 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.”
Her post concluded with a touching sentiment: “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.”
