Michelle Trachtenberg, the actress best known for her roles in Gossip Girls and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, who rose to fame as a child star in the 1990s and 2000s, was found dead at 39, as per CBS News.
According to the publication, the New York Police Department responded to a 911 call at 8:01 a.m. local time Wednesday morning. First responders found her unresponsive in her Manhattan home. No foul play is suspected.
“Criminality is not suspected. The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death,” the statement by the NYPD said, adding that an investigation is ongoing.
A family representative confirmed the news of Trachtenberg’s passing and asked for privacy during this time of grief.
As reported by ABC News, the actress had recently underwent a liver transplant and may have experienced complications from the procedure. An autopsy will determine the exact cause of dead.
Michelle Trachtenberg was a child star who started her acting her career at the age of nine years old. She first appeared on the Nickelodeon television series The Adventures of Pete & Pete.
She received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for her role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Other films she starred in include EuroTrip, Ice Princess, Killing Kennedy, and Sister Cities.
Fans and colleagues are paying their tributes on the social media, describing Trachtenberg’s sudden loss as heart-breaking and devastating.
“I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped,” US comedian Rosie O’Donnell, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in her Harriet the Spy debut posted.
“So sad to hear of the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg. Sending prayers,” Ed Westwick wrote.
In a recent post on the social media, Trachtenberg posted a throwback photo of her and co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar. She captioned it, “Slay all day! Always loved this twinning photo of us! #buffy #dawn #sister #womancrushwednesday.”
Her final post on Instagram was another throwback picture of her attending the Killing Kennedy premiere at the Saban Theatre on November 4, 2013 in Beverly Hills.
Prior to her sudden passing, Michelle Trachtenberg appeared nostalgic and was very active on the social media.
May she rest in peace.
