Michelle Trachtenberg’s health battle revealed after death at 39

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has died at age 39.

Reports indicate she recently underwent a liver transplant, though no official cause of death has been confirmed.

According to ABC News, Trachtenberg may have experienced complications following the transplant. The Gossip Girl star was found "unconscious and unresponsive" in her New York City residence on the morning of Feb. 26. NYPD officers responded to a 911 call at 1 Columbus Place at approximately 8:00 a.m. Emergency responders pronounced her dead at the scene, though authorities do not suspect foul play.

Trachtenberg never publicly shared any health concerns, but in early 2024, she addressed speculation about her appearance on Instagram. After receiving comments suggesting she looked unwell, she firmly responded, “This is my face. Not malnutrition, no problems,” and told critics to “check yourself, haters.”

The actress began her career as a child star in Harriet the Spy and Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete before achieving fame as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She later gained further recognition as Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl, reprising the role in the 2023 reboot.

Trachtenberg’s passing has left fans mourning the loss of a beloved actress, with many awaiting further details on her cause of death.