Michelle Trachtenberg Passes Away at 39, Reports Reveal She Had a Liver Transplant
Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has passed away at the age of 39. She was found unresponsive in her New York City apartment on February 26, 2025. Officials confirmed there was no foul play involved, but her cause of death remains “undetermined” after her family objected to an autopsy due to religious beliefs.
New reports have surfaced revealing that Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant in recent years, a fact that was not widely known to the public. It is unclear whether her health history played a role in her passing, but sources close to the actress say she had been dealing with medical issues privately.
Following the news of her passing, tributes from co-stars and friends flooded social media. Blake Lively shared a heartfelt message, remembering Trachtenberg as “a brilliant, kind soul who brought light to every room she entered.”
Trachtenberg, who started her career as a child star in Harriet the Spy, remained a beloved figure in Hollywood. While her unexpected passing has left fans in shock, her legacy in film and television continues to resonate.