US actress Michelle Trachtenberg, who starred in hit TV shows Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died at 39, New York police have confirmed. 

Trachtenberg’s mother found the New York-born actress in her luxury Manhattan apartment near Central Park, police sources confirmed to ABC and the New York Post. 

The Harriet the Spy star was in the midst of recovering from a recent liver transplant and may have been suffering from complications related to the procedure, the sources told ABC. 

The New York Police Department said they found Trachtenberg “unconscious and unresponsive” in her apartment, and emergency responders were unable to revive her. 

“On Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at approximately 0801 hours, police responded to a 911 call of an aided individual at 1 Columbus Place, within the confines of the Midtown North Precinct,” police confirmed to media in a statement. 

“Upon arrival, officers observed a 39-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive. EMS responded to the location and pronounced the victim deceased. 

Michelle Trachtenberg, pictured in 2020, was found dead in her New York apartment on February 27 (NZT). Photo / Getty Images 

“Criminality is not suspected. The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing.” 

Trachtenberg was last spotted in public on February 20, where she joined friends for dinner at Sartiano’s restaurant in Soho, TMZ reported. 

Her last Instagram post was made on February 19. The actress shared an old red carpet photo with the caption: “I wanted to look like naughty #tinkerbell #throwback“. 

After the news was announced, close colleagues of Trachtenberg began sharing tributes to the actress on social media, sending love to her affected family and friends. 

“Rest in peace sweet Michelle,” wrote Kim Cattrall, who starred in comedy film Ice Princess (2005) alongside Trachtenberg. 

“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,” wrote Buffy co-star James Marsters on Instagram. 

“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.” 

“So very sad...horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family,” another Buffy co-star, Davi Boreanaz, shared in a separate Instagram post. 

Harriet the Spy co-star Rosie O’Donnell told Us Weekly that finding out about Trachtenberg’s death was a “heartbreaking” experience. 

“I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped,” O’Donnell told the outlet. 

Former colleague Melissa Gilbert, who starred in A Holiday of Love (1996) with Trachtenberg, shared a snapshot of a scene from the movie on Instagram. 

“Oh Michy...and we lived so close to one another...my heart aches for your family and all those who loved you so... @michelletrachtenberg #ripsweetgirl”, Gilbert captioned the post. 

“So sad to hear of the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg. Sending prayers,” wrote Ed Westwick, who played Chuck Bass in Gossip Girl, on Instagram. 

“Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! Check on your people!!!” wrote veteran SNL star Kenan Thompson, including old footage of Trachtenberg and a photo of them together. 

Trachtenberg began her acting career as a child, taking on roles in The Adventures of Pete & Pete for Nickelodeon and in All My Children for ABC, among others. 

Following her foray into film with the release of Harriet the Spy, Trachtenberg began starring as Dawn in Buffy the Vampire Slayer in 2000, launching her to mainstream stardom. 

Trachtenberg was also known for her roles in Gossip Girl, where she played Georgina Sparks over the show’s six seasons, and in the 2004 comedy film EuroTrip. 

Trachtenberg made her last on-screen appearance in the 2021 reboot of Gossip Girl, reprising her role as a guest character in two episodes of the show.