Michelle Trachtenberg, former child star and Gossip Girl actress, dies aged 39

Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has died. She was 39.

The former child star was found dead at her New York City apartment, according to CNN.

Local police sources, cited by ABC News, reported Trachtenberg's mother discovered her daughter's body shortly after 8am local time (overnight in Australia).

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It's understood Trachtenberg had recent medical issues, including recently receiving a liver transplant.

Police say Trachtenberg appears to have died from natural causes and her death is not being treated as suspicious, however, an investigation is ongoing.

Representatives for Trachtenberg have yet to comment publicly.

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Born in New York City in 1985, Trachtenberg made her television debut at just three years old, sparking a lifelong career in the industry.

Her first major role was as recurring character Lily Montgomery on All My Children, before she moved onto Nickelodeon's The Adventures of Pete & Pete.

She was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for her role in Discovery's kids' series Truth or Scare, before landing her big break – playing lead Harriet M. Welsch in 1996's Harriet the Spy, Paramount's film based on the classic children's novel.

What followed was a role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, where Trachtenberg played Sarah Michelle Gellar's Buffy's little sister, Dawn Summers.

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Then came EuroTrip, Ice Princess, and, of course, Gossip Girl, which saw Trachtenberg take on the unpredictable troublemaker Georgina Sparks.

Trachtenberg also notably starred opposite Zac Efron and the late Matthew Perry in 17 Again, with her last role being a reprise of Georgina Sparks in the Gossip Girl revival in 2023.

Her final social media post was shared seven days ago, a throwback photo from a red carpet alongside the caption: "I wanted to look like naughty #tinkerbell 💚 #throwback ⚡️".

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