The sudden passing of actress Michelle Trachtenberg has left fans devastated. The former “Gossip Girl” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star was found unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment at age 39, just days after concerning photos of her appeared online.
Observers had noted her frail appearance, with some pointing out “yellow eyes,” a possible sign of health issues. Though her death has been ruled natural causes, reports indicate she underwent a liver transplant within the past year, with complications possibly playing a role.
Her mother discovered her unresponsive around 8 a.m. Wednesday in her luxury Manhattan high-rise. NYPD confirmed that officers responded to a 911 call, but Trachtenberg had already passed away. The city medical examiner is set to determine the official cause of death.
Her representative, Gary Mantoosh, confirmed her passing in a statement, requesting privacy for the family. Neighbors expressed shock, recalling her as a kind and friendly presence. “Michelle always seemed happy,” said Rafael Williams, a fellow resident. Another neighbor, Ariana Rodriguez, described her as warm and always smiling.
At the time of her passing, Trachtenberg was in a relationship with talent agent Jay Cohen, who had previously undergone a kidney transplant. He was seen at her family’s Los Angeles home following the tragedy but declined to comment.
Days before her death, Trachtenberg was seen dining at a SoHo restaurant, where staff were alarmed by her frail condition. “She looked really unwell, very thin,” a worker recalled.
Longtime friend Amanda de Cadenet shared her grief on Instagram, remembering Trachtenberg as a “vivacious young woman” and expressing sadness over her passing.
Fans had raised concerns in recent months over her social media posts, noting significant weight loss. In response to speculation, Trachtenberg had defended herself, stating she was healthy and addressing critics directly.
Her passing has left a deep void in Hollywood and among those who knew and admired her. The entertainment industry and fans alike mourn the loss of a beloved actress taken too soon.