Michelle Trachtenberg, Star of Gossip Girl, Passes Away at 39

Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her role in the popular American series Gossip Girl, has tragically passed away at the age of 39. According to reports from AP News and Daily Mail, she was found deceased in her New York City apartment around 8 AM on February 26. Her mother discovered her body. Authorities have stated that there are no signs of foul play. It has been reported that Trachtenberg had been struggling with alcohol issues and had recently undergone a liver transplant, which may have led to complications. In recent years, she had raised health concerns among fans through social media posts indicating she was not feeling well. A representative for Trachtenberg expressed the family's deep sorrow over her passing and requested privacy during this difficult time. The police have indicated that they do not suspect any conspiracy surrounding her death, and an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause. Trachtenberg began her career as a child actress, gaining fame for her role as Dawn Summers, the sister of Buffy (played by Sarah Michelle Gellar), in the series Buffy the Vampire Slayer from 2000 to 2003. She also gained significant popularity for her portrayal of Georgina Sparks, the 'Upper East Side witch,' in Gossip Girl from 2008 to 2012. In 2023, she appeared in two episodes of the second and final season of the HBO Max reboot of Gossip Girl. Her film credits include EuroTrip (2004), Ice Princess (2005), 17 Again (2009), and Black Christmas (2006).