Actress Michelle Trachtenberg found dead in luxury Midtown apartment

“Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl” star Michelle Trachtenberg was found dead inside of her luxury Midtown apartment on Wednesday, sources reported.

Trachtenberg was found unconscious inside of her Midtown’s Westside apartment on Columbus Drive at about 8 a.m. on Feb. 26. While the cause of death is not yet apparent, sources say that the incident is not believed to be suspicious.

The 39-year-old Trachtenberg cultivated her acting career as a child, starring in multiple Nickelodeon productions like the famed film “Harriet the Spy.”

397231 07: Actress Michelle Trachtenberg attends the Los Angeles premiere of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” November 14, 2001 in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)

The beloved actress began her career at age three, and officially debuted on “The Adventures of Pete and Pete” from 1994 to 1996.

Earning numerous accolades for her work, Trachtenberg had a wide range of roles throughout her career, from Ice Princess to demon fighting alongside Michelle Geller; and as the vindictive Georgina Sparks on “Gossip Girl.”

Members of the NYC Medical Examiner’s office outside the Midtown apartment building where Michelle Trachtenberg was found dead on Feb. 26, 2025.Photo by Dean Moses

Members of the NYC Medical Examiner’s office outside the Midtown apartment building where Michelle Trachtenberg was found dead on Feb. 26, 2025.Photo by Dean Moses

Ella Ditraglia, 20, was both a fan and neighbor of Trachtenberg, and shared with amNewYork Metro her shock and sadness over the news of the untimely death.

“I’m devastated. I didn’t even know she lived here. I love her work and it’s just sad news. My thoughts are with her family and friends,” Ditraglia said while leaving the luxury apartment building.

Rhel Noufele, another neighbor of Trachtenberg, shared that he would often see and greet the beloved actress in the apartment building’s hallways. It wasn’t until he exited the building this afternoon, upon seeing the horde of reporters, that he learned the news of her passing.

“Michelle was my neighbor, it’s very sad news,” Noufele said. “I didn’t know her personally, so she seemed fine.”

“She was a normal person,” Noufele added. “It’s a shock for sure.”

Fans had reportedly noticed her gaunt appearance in the past few social media posts Trachtenberg shared this month, inquiring about her health. In 2024, the across reportedly underwent a liver transplant but it is unclear if the procedure is related to hear death.

Co-star of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, David Boreanaz, mourned her death on his Instagram, writing: “So very sad …horrible news, RIP and prayers to her and her family.”

The medical examiner’s van parked outside her apartment building.Photo by Dean Moses

The medical examiner’s van parked outside her apartment building.Photo by Dean Moses

Medical examiner enters her apartment building.Photo by Dean Moses

Read More: https://www.amny.com/police-fire/