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Blake Lively & Chace Crawford with Michelle Trachtenberg
Hollywood actress Michelle Trachtenberg passed away on February 26, aged 39. The 'Gossip Girl' and 'Buffy The Vampire Slayer' artist was found “unconscious and unresponsive” by police at her residence and later pronounced dead at around 8 am by paramedics. According to a New York Post source, the actress underwent a liver transplant within the last year, but her body may have rejected the organ. Her death is not deemed suspicious, and the city medical examiner will determine the exact cause, the New York Police Department said.
Gossip Girl Colleagues Pay Tributes
Tretchenberg's sudden demise came as a shock to Hollywood and her fans. Her co-stars from the "cult classic" show Gossip Girl, in which she played a bratty teen Georgina Sparks, shared condolences on social media. Lead star Blake Lively, aka Serena van der Woodsen, shared a long message on her Instagram story, remembering Tretchenberg as a "deeply sensitive and good person."
Lively wrote, "She was a kind person through and through. 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. Hold those you love and have loved dear. May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire."
Chace Crawford, who played Nate Archibald, shared a carousel of photos with Tretchenberg, writing, "She was a force of nature and just so so unapologetically funny and magnetic.. remembering those years with a big smile." Meanwhile, Ed Westwick, who played Chuck Bass, shared that while he hadn't seen Tretchenberg in a long time, her passing was deeply sad."I remember a talented, sharp, funny and warm soul. Thinking of her and the family. So sad," he said.
Fans Share Posts Mourning Trachtenberg
Michelle Trachtenberg started her career as a child actor, starring in many shows and movies that resonated with young Americans. Some of her most loved characters are Harriet M Welsch in Harriet The Spy (1996) and Dawn Summers in Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997). Fans took to social media to share heartfelt, nostalgic tributes.
Michelle Tratchenberg….omg I loved the movie Harriet the Spy and of course gossip girl like.. I need a fucking minute… pic.twitter.com/UA3ZZxp59g
— samanthamcfarland (@SailorSammy93) February 26, 2025
The death of Michelle Tratchenberg hits hard. If you grew up in the 90’s she was definitely apart of your childhood. From Pete & Pete, Harriet the Spy, & Buffy. It’s so sad to see such a talented young lady leave so soon. My condolences to her family, co-stars, and her fans.💔🕊️ pic.twitter.com/VZyNltHM16
— KIMetal (@KimMetalGuitars) February 27, 2025
Sad day 39 yrs old Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away from complications from a liver transplant a beautiful talented actress gone to young rest in paradise beautiful 😘 pic.twitter.com/nPhmR587pz
— Medicated Melissa (new account) (@MediMelissa2) February 26, 2025
michelle tratchenberg’s death is really fw me bc over a year ago, she would post stories (i screenshotted) with captions that didn’t make sense, her eyes were yellow, and she looked very thin. fans were always worried for her but she would just deny it. i’m sorry michelle :( rip pic.twitter.com/4wuM2Xjocs
— cinnamon girl𝜗𝜚 (@lttlebodybigbow) February 26, 2025
Heartbroken over Michelle Tratchenberg’s death. Such a tragedy so young 😭 pic.twitter.com/gXNHqIa4SK
— @alissami.bsky.social (@alissami) February 26, 2025