Michelle Trachtenberg, Star of ‘Buffy’ and ‘Gossip Girl,’ Dies at 39 from Diabetes Complications

Beloved actress Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Harriet the Spy, and Gossip Girl, has died at the age of 39 due to complications from diabetes, New York City’s medical examiner confirmed Wednesday.
Trachtenberg was discovered unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment in February. At the time, officials reported no signs of foul play, and the cause of death was initially listed as “undetermined.” Her family had objected to an autopsy, and the request was honored given the absence of criminal evidence. However, after further review and laboratory testing, the medical examiner concluded diabetes-related complications as the official cause of death.
The news has reignited grief among fans and colleagues alike, with tributes from co-stars such as Sarah Michelle Gellar, Taylor Momsen, and Blake Lively pouring in when her passing was first announced on February 26.
Trachtenberg began her career at just 8 years old, capturing hearts as Nona Mecklenberg in The Adventures of Pete & Pete before becoming a cultural icon as Harriet in Harriet the Spy. Her role as Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer solidified her status as a genre favorite, and she later captivated audiences as Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl — a role she reprised in the 2021 revival.
Beyond television, her film career featured hits like Inspector Gadget, EuroTrip, and 17 Again, where she starred alongside Zac Efron and Leslie Mann.
Michelle Trachtenberg leaves behind a legacy of bold, complex characters and a devoted fanbase that spans generations. Her passing is a stark reminder of the serious, and often silent, toll chronic illnesses like diabetes can take.