Gossip Girl star Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away at the age of 39 and her family, police, and co-stars have spoken out.
Yesterday morning (February 26), Michelle Trachtenberg was found in her apartment at One Columbus Place in New York City.
The 39-year-old actor was best known for her recurring roles in series such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl however, she also appeared in movies like Ice Princess and 17 Again.
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What Michelle Trachtenberg's family said
Trachtenberg began her career as an actor at the age of three, appearing in Nickelodeon television series Adventures of Pete and Pete alongside multiple other productions for the channel before going on to star in 2004 release Eurotrip and then her iconic roles in Buffy and Gossip Girl.
Supporting her along the way were Trachtenberg's parents and sister. The actor reflected how her mom had 'always been there' for her in an interview with Blackfilm in March 2005.
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A representative of her family confirmed Trachtenberg's passing in a statement.
It reads: "It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss."
And New York Police Department has commented on Trachtenberg's passing too, noting her passing is not being investigated as suspicious.
What police have said about the death of Michelle Trachtenberg
The NYPD said in a statement: "Criminality is not suspected. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death.
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"The investigation remains ongoing."
UNILAD has previously contacted NYPD for comment.
Co-stars of Trachtenberg's have also since taken to social media to pay tribute to the actor.
What Trachtenberg's co-stars have said
Trachtenberg's Gossip Girl co-star Blake Lively took to her Instagram story to share a photograph from the day the pair met on set of the hit drama.
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She wrote: "This is the first day I met Michelle. She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200 percent.
"She laughed the fullest at someone's joke, she faced authority head on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work, she was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be sometimes, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself."
"Time passes," Lively continued. "You take for granted that you get the chance to see an old friend. To paraphrase, the real tragedies in life are the ones that blindside you on an idle Tuesday."
Her post concluded: "The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle. May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire."
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Another Gossip Girl co-star, Ed Westwick, also paid tribute to Trachtenberg, writing on his story: "So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg sending prayers," accompanied with a prayer emoji and a white heart.
The White Gold star posted the heartfelt message along with a photo of Trachtenberg playing Georgina in the popular TV series.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer cast member James Marsters also praised Trachtenberg as being a 'fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person'.
Marsters resolved: "She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her. My heart goes out to her family who are good people, and are suffering the greatest loss anyone could bear. I hope everyone can give them space to heal in this most difficult time. Godspeed Michelle. You are missed."
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If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].
Topics: Celebrity, Entertainment, Film and TV, Hollywood, Michelle Trachtenberg
Poppy Bilderbeck