Blake Lively mourns 'Gossip Girl' co-star Michelle Trachtenberg's sudden death
What's the story
Michelle Trachtenberg, the Hollywood actor known for her roles in popular TV shows like Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died. She was 39.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) confirmed her death on Thursday after responding to a 911 call on Wednesday morning.
They discovered an unconscious woman in a Manhattan apartment who was later identified as Trachtenberg.
Shortly after the news broke out, celebrities, including Blake Lively, grieved the passing of her GG co-star.
Investigation update
Trachtenberg's death not considered suspicious: NYPD
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) pronounced Trachtenberg dead at the scene. The NYPD said they do not suspect any criminality in her death, but the investigation remains ongoing.
An NYPD source told CNN that Trachtenberg had a recent medical issue and her death appeared to be due to natural causes.
The Medical Examiner's office will determine the official cause of death.
A representative for Trachtenberg said, "The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at the time."
Industry reactions
Trachtenberg's co-star Lively expressed grief
"This is the first day I met Michelle," Lively shared on her Instagram Stories, posting a photo with Trachtenberg.
"She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%," Lively expressed.
Reflecting on Trachtenberg's personality, Lively continued, "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."
Legacy
Trachtenberg starred in first Nickelodeon movie
The actor, who first gained attention with a role on The Adventures of Pete & Pete, starred in Nickelodeon's first feature film, 1996's Harriet the Spy.
In a 2001 interview with Entertainment Tonight, she expressed gratitude for her early experiences.
Trachtenberg's Harriet the Spy co-star Rosie O'Donnell called her death "heartbreaking." Other Nickelodeon stars from the era who knew and worked with Trachtenberg, including Melissa Joan Hart and Kenan Thompson, have also paid their tributes.
Career overview
Trachtenberg's career highlights and recent work
In 2000, Trachtenberg scored the role of Dawn Summers on The WB hit series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Trachtenberg stayed with the show until its end in 2003.
She also featured in the teen comedy EuroTrip and appeared in multiple episodes of the premium cable drama Six Feet Under.
In 2005, she starred in a Disney movie, playing an aspiring ice skater in Ice Princess opposite Kim Cattrall.
Her latest appearance was in two episodes of Max's Gossip Girl revival.