Michelle Trachtenberg, the former child star known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has passed away at 39, as reported by international media citing sources.
According to some reports, her mother discovered her around 8 a.m. on Wednesday at One Columbus Place, a luxury high-rise in Manhattan’s Central Park South.
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The actress had undergone a liver transplant in the past year, and her body may have rejected the organ, leading to her passing from natural causes. The NYPD confirmed officers found Trachtenberg “unconscious and unresponsive,” and EMS pronounced her dead at the scene. Authorities had responded to a 911 call about a woman in cardiac arrest.
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Police stated that her death is not considered suspicious, and the city medical examiner will determine the official cause.
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“With deep sorrow, we confirm the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg. The family asks for privacy during this difficult time,” her representative, Gary Mantoosh, said in a statement.
In recent months, Trachtenberg had shared a series of concerning photos on Instagram, where she appeared noticeably thin and frail. Some fans expressed alarm over her dramatic weight loss, with a few speculating about drug use.
In January of last year, she reassured fans that she was “happy and healthy” and denied ever having undergone plastic surgery. That same month, she posted a selfie with the caption, “Snake it to make it.”
Observant followers noticed a yellowish tint in her eyes, sparking concerns about her health, as jaundice can be a sign of liver issues. Born in New York City on October 11, 1985, Trachtenberg landed her first credited role at age 9 in the beloved 1990s Nickelodeon series The Adventures of Pete & Pete.
