Gossip Girl and Buffy The Vampire Slayer star Michelle Trachtenberg has tragically died at the age of 39 – in the weeks leading up to her death, she shared a series worrying snaps
Hollywood star Michelle Trachtenberg left her followers extremely worried in the weeks leading up to her unexpected passing as they noticed she appeared strikingly thin in photographs she posted.
The actress, who was known from a young age for her roles in smash-hit series such as Gossip Girl and Buffy The Vampire Slayer, sadly passed away at just 39 years old on Wednesday. The cause of death hinted at a recent surgery, but officials do not consider it suspicious.
Leading up to these sad news, Trachtenberg had updated her social media fans with snaps of herself wearing a blue jumper featuring an animal motif. Accompanying one image, she added the caption: “Eye of the Tiger” along with a lion emoji and the evil eye amulet emoji, which is often associated with warding off negativity.
Just before this, she had uploaded a picture donning sunglasses with the enigmatic words: “The warmth before the storm.” Subsequently, she posted numerous nostalgic shots from various moments in her career, whether it be on-screen roles or glamorous red carpet appearances, reports the Mirror.
Trachtenberg’s increasingly frail look drew concern from her fanbase – yet the celebrity herself responded defiantly against rumours concerning her wellbeing. Last year, she clapped back with a post saying, “I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery I am happy and healthy. Check yourself haters.”
On Wednesday, the New York Post announced the tragic news of the celebrity’s death, penning in their article: “Trachtenberg was found by her mother at around 8 a.m. Wednesday at One Columbus Place, a 51-story luxury apartment complex in Manhattan’s Central Park South neighborhood.”
Delving further into the sad details, the paper noted: “The actress recently underwent a liver transplant.” Additionally, they clarified: “Her death is not being investigated as suspicious.”
The news has sent shockwaves through her fanbase, leaving them in mourning; social media tributes have been pouring in. A distraught fan commented: “she raised all of us who grew up in the 2000s may she rest in peace.”
Meanwhile, another wrote: “R.I.P Michelle! ! Such a talent! Buffy season 5 was my fave and now it’s going to be even sadder watching her as Dawn.”
Earlier this month, reports surfaced that Buffy – the show where Trachtenberg portrayed Dawn Summers – might be returning to screens with a new series expected to star Sarah Michelle Gellar once again in her iconic role. With direction by Marvel’s Eternals’ Chloé Zhao set for the pilot, hopes were high that Trachtenberg would reprise her role as well.
Last year, the departed star made a comeback as Georgina Sparks in the fresh rendition of Gossip Girl and continued her foray into movies alongside her TV work. Her most recent film role was in ‘Spyral’, released in 2024, featuring Trachtenberg as Michelle Cody White.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
