The actress’s sudden passing has left fans devastated, especially after concerns about her health surfaced. The former “Gossip Girl” star was found unresponsive shortly after worrying photos of her looking unwell circulated online.
Michelle Trachtenberg, beloved for her roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl,” was found dead in her Manhattan apartment at the age of 39. The shocking news comes just days after fans expressed growing concern over her appearance in recent social media posts.
Michelle Trachtenberg on the set of “Gossip Girl” on April 30, 2008, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Observers noted that she looked frail, with what some described as “yellow eyes” — a potential sign of serious health issues. While her passing has been ruled natural causes, reports suggest she had undergone a liver transplant within the past year, and complications may have played a role.
Michelle Trachtenberg at Clive Davis and the Recording Academy’s 2012 Pre-Grammy Gala and Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Richard Branson on February 11, 2012, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
According to sources, her mother discovered the actress unresponsive at approximately 8 a.m. on Wednesday at One Columbus Place, a luxury high-rise in Manhattan’s Central Park South neighborhood.
The NYPD confirmed that officers responded to a 911 call reporting a woman in cardiac arrest, but by the time emergency medical personnel arrived, Trachtenberg had already passed away.
A medical examiner’s van parked outside Michelle Trachtenberg’s apartment on February 26, 2025, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Sources suggested that complications from her liver transplant, possibly organ rejection, may have contributed to her passing. The city medical examiner is expected to determine the official cause of death.
“It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss,” her representative, Gary Mantoosh, said in a statement.
Michelle Trachtenberg at The Art of Elysium 8th Annual Heaven Gala on January 10, 2015, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
Trachtenberg’s passing sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and her local community. Neighbors at her Manhattan apartment building reflected on their interactions with the actress in the weeks leading up to her death.
Michelle Trachtenberg at the 101st Annual White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner at the Washington Hilton on April 25, 2015, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images
“Michelle always seemed happy, I never noticed anything off about her at all,” Rafael Williams, who lived above her, revealed. “I didn’t know her personally, but she always made a point to say ‘Hi’ in the elevator. It’s shocking to me because she didn’t seem to have a problem in the world.”
Michelle Trachtenberg at the 1st Annual Cocktails for a Cause with Love Leo Rescue event on December 6, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Ariana Rodriguez, another neighbor, also shared her memories of Trachtenberg, describing her as a warm and friendly presence in the building. “Michelle was a great neighbor,” she said.
“She wasn’t loud, smiled at everyone in the hallways. I saw her with her boyfriend a few times and they were always walking either hand-in-hand or with his arm around her,” she added.
Michelle Trachtenberg at “Cadillac Celebrates the 92nd Annual Academy Awards” event on February 6, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
At the time of her death, Trachtenberg was reportedly in a relationship with talent agent Jay Cohen, a partner at The Gersh Agency. Cohen, who has a history of health struggles himself, previously revealed that he underwent a kidney transplant in 1999.
His heartfelt social media post in July 2023 reflected on his journey, marking the 24th anniversary of the transplant and expressing gratitude toward his donor.
Trachtenberg and Cohen had been publicly linked since 2020, and their relationship remained strong. On Valentine’s Day, she posted a loving tribute to Cohen on Instagram, writing, “Happy Valentine’s Day to the man who sits still long enough for me to paint his face. 🖤💚🩶 💋”
Following Trachtenberg’s passing, Cohen was seen at her family’s Los Angeles home in Sherman Oaks. Answering the door teary-eyed, he told the Daily Mail that the family would not be commenting on the tragedy. He also confirmed that the actress’s mother and sister were not at the residence at the time.
Michelle Trachtenberg at the 28th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards viewing party on February 9, 2020, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
In the days leading up to her passing, concerns about Trachtenberg’s health grew, especially after an unsettling public sighting. On February 20, less than a week before her death, the actress was seen at Sartiano’s, a restaurant in SoHo, where staff were reportedly alarmed by her frail condition.
Michelle Trachtenberg at the 15 Years of Siriano party on November 2, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
“She looked really unwell, just like very sickly,” a worker said, speaking anonymously. “She was thin, like tiny, she couldn’t walk down the stairs. She was not in a great mood, it wasn’t the best impression.”
The employee recalled the eerie realization that Trachtenberg had been there only days before the news of her passing broke. “It’s spooky because she was in here just last week on Thursday night,” they added.
“We only just found out about [her death] a few hours ago and it’s really sad,” they continued. According to the worker, Trachtenberg dined with one other person, described as a “really nice” woman.
Rodriguez noted that she had observed physical changes in Trachtenberg’s appearance in recent months. “She looked less and less like herself,” she recalled, adding that the actress had become “svelte.”
Michelle Trachtenberg and Ashlee Simpson at the 15 Years of Siriano party on November 2, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The neighbor also summed up the heartbreak many are feeling, saying, “I’m so sad that I won’t be seeing her anymore in the building. She always said ‘Hi’ to me.”
Trachtenberg’s friend, Amanda de Cadenet, shared her grief in an Instagram post, stating, “Sweetheart Michelle. ❤️What sad news this morning to wake up to. It feels weird and awful to be posting this, but I want to acknowledge your death because I cared about you.”
“I’m grateful we got to connect, especially in the last few months. I will always remember you as the young vivacious woman I met when I took this photo of you…Wishing you a peaceful transition, sweet friend, and may your spirit finally rest 🫶,” the post continued.
Michelle Trachtenberg at the 15 Years of Siriano party on November 2, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
