Michelle Trachtenberg’s last Instagram post has been flooded with tributes following her tragic death at the age of 39.
According to the New York Post, the Harriet the Spy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer star was found dead by her mother early Wednesday morning at One Columbus Place, a luxury high-rise near Central Park in Manhattan, police sources confirmed.
Authorities stated that officers arrived to find her “unconscious and unresponsive” before EMS pronounced her dead at the scene.
Sources have since revealed that the actress had recently undergone a liver transplant, though it is unclear whether it played a role in her passing.
While her cause of death remains unknown, police have said it is not being investigated as suspicious. The New York City medical examiner will determine an official ruling.
Michelle Trachtenberg’s Final Instagram Post, As Fans Pay Tribute
Just a week before her death (February 18), Trachtenberg shared a throwback photo on Instagram, writing: “I wanted to look like naughty, #Tinkerbell” in reference to her green dress.
The post has since been flooded with tributes from devastated fans, with one person writing: “Rest in peace. Thank you for raising us all with your endless iconic roles.”
Another fan commented: “Rest in peace Michelle […] you crafted so many characters that many of us were connected to. You captivated us with unique stories. Thank you for sharing your life & talent with us. You’ll be missed”
“My heart is broken,” another wrote, with a third adding: “Rest in peace, you will be missed.”
One person shared a poignant story, writing: “I met you once at an airport about 18 years ago, coming back from deployment. You sat and talked with me for about 45 minutes when you didn’t have to while we were waiting on our flight to Chicago. I kept that picture all the way up until last year when my computer crashed and it was lost.
“Thanks for conversation and the memory Michelle. Fair winds and following seas wherever your eternity lies.”
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Prior to this final post, Trachtenberg shared three more throwback photos on February 17, 15, and 14, as well as a Valentine’s Day post to partner Jay Cohen.
On February 12, she had also posted a more recent selfie with the caption: “Eye of the Tiger.”
On her 39th birthday in October, she had shared a glamorous shot with the caption, “39 and I’m feeling fiiiiiine.”
Last year, Trachtenberg made headlines after followers voiced concerns about her appearance, noting an apparent weight loss.
Some pointed out that her hair looked thinner and that her eyes had a yellowish tint, leading to speculation about possible health issues. In response to the comments, Trachtenberg defended herself in the comments section, writing: “Explain to me how I look sick.
She also reminded followers that she’s not the age many of them remember her as, saying: “Did you lose a calendar and not realize I’m not 14? I’m 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment.”
Later, she addressed the comments in a separate post, denying any health issues. “I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery. I am happy and healthy. Check yourself, haters,” she wrote.
Born in New York City on October 11, 1985, Trachtenberg began acting at just three years old.
She gained early fame in Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete before breaking out in 1996’s Harriet the Spy.
She later starred in Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Dawn Summers and played the scheming Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl.
Her movie credits included EuroTrip, Ice Princess, and 17 Again.
In 2021, Trachtenberg made headlines when she alleged that Buffy creator Joss Whedon had been physically abusive on set, claiming there was a “rule” in place to prevent him from being alone in a room with her. Whedon denied the allegations.
While Hollywood mourns her sudden loss, questions remain about what led to her tragic passing. Investigations into her cause of death are ongoing.
Our thoughts continue to go out to Trachtenberg’s family, friends, and fans at this time.
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