Buffy the Vampire Slayer has died. Age 39.

[firehyrant]

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Cast Remembers 'Howlingly Funny' Michelle Trachtenberg After Her Death at 39: 'Too Young'

By
Rachel McRady

Published on February 26, 2025 02:37PM EST
people.com

Following the shocking news that actress Michelle Trachtenberg has died at the age of 39, there has been an outpouring of tributes from her former costars and friends.

Trachtenberg, who got her start as a child actor at the age of 3, was best known for her roles in the movie Harriet the Spy and TV shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl.

Michelle Trachtenberg Shares Cryptic Throwback Photos in Final Posts Ahead of Her Death at 39
On Buffy she joined the cast in season 5 as Dawn Summers, the kid sister to Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Buffy Summers. Her addition to the cast so late in the series had a magical explanation as she was actually a mystical “key” put into a human body and sent to the Slayer for protection against the evil god named Glory (Clare Kramer). At the end of season 5, Buffy sacrificed herself to save Dawn.

Trachtenberg stayed on the show as a core cast member until it ended with season 7 in 2003.

Michelle Trachtenberg, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Kristine Sutherland as Dawn, Buffy and Joyce Summers on 'Buffy.'.
Richard Cartwright/UPN/Courtesy Everett
James Marsters, who played the vampire Spike on the show and shared many scenes with Trachtenberg, shared a statement to PEOPLE in the wake of her death.

"My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul," Marsters said. "Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her."

Marsters, 62, added, "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."

David Boreanaz — who played the vampire Angel, a main love interest of Buffy — was one of the first cast members to react to the news online, writing on his Instagram Story, “So very sad …horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family.”

David Boreanaz reacts to Michelle Trachtenberg's death.
David Borenaz/Instagram
Alyson Hannigan — who starred as Willow Rosenberg — remembered her late costar in a touching tribute on Instagram.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing,” she wrote alongside photos of the pair over the years. “She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends.”

Emma Caulfield, who played the role of former demon Anya Jenkins, also posted a tribute on her Instagram Stories, writing: "I'm so sorry your bright light died so young. Our Buffy family lost a little sister today... Rest in peace lovely Mish Mish. You were loved."

20th Television, the studio producing the new Buffy reboot, also reacted to the news in a statement to PEOPLE. "Michelle touched a generation of television fans throughout her career, including in her unforgettable role as the independent and strong-willed Dawn Summers in Buffy. She brought depth, heart, and authenticity to every performance and will be remembered for her remarkable talent. Our sincere condolences go out to her family and friends – she will be deeply missed," they said.

Emma Caulfield reacts to Michelle Trachtenberg's death.
Emma Caulfield/Instagram; Albert L. Ortega/WireImage
The NYPD confirmed the news of Trachtenberg’s death to PEOPLE on Wednesday, Feb. 26, sharing that following a 911 call, Trachtenberg was found “unconscious and unresponsive” in her Manhattan apartment around 8 a.m. and pronounced dead at the scene.

“Criminality is not suspected,” the NYPD added. “The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing.”

Michelle Trachtenberg Hit Back at Critics Questioning Her Health 1 Year Before Her Death: 'Check Yourself, Haters'
Trachtenberg remained close with many of her Buffy costars through the years, including Gellar, whom she frequently reunited with.

From left: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Seth Green, Michelle Trachtenberg and Nicolas Brendon from the show 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' at Paley Television Festival in 2008.
Neilson Barnard/Getty
In January, she posted a throwback photo to Instagram with her on-screen sister.

“Slay all day! Always loved this twinning photo of us! #buffy #dawn #sister #womancrushwednesday @sarahmgellar ” Trachtenberg captioned the post.

Rosie O'Donnell Says Harriet the Spy Costar Michelle Trachtenberg 'Struggled' Before Her Death: 'I Loved Her'

Michelle Trachtenberg and Sarah Michelle Gellar on 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer.'.
Photo 12 / Alamy Stock Photo
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In addition to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Trachtenberg was best known for her roles as Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl, Harriet M. Welsch in 1996's Harriet the Spy, Jenny in Eurotrip, Casey Carlyle in Ice Princess, and Maggie O'Donnell in 17 Again.

Trachtenberg's last credited role was in 2023, reprising Georgina Sparks on Max's Gossip Girl reboot.

 

[Balls2U]

P or M?

 

[k1976]

RIP

 

[Sustanon]

how many boosters liao??? anyway, get well soon..... byee.....

 

[cocobobo]

That's not Buffy you buffoon

 

[glockman]

Buffy didn't die lah. It's her inconsequential sidekick who died.

 

[Rogue Trader]

Apparently drank herself to death. Had a liver transplant recently

RIP