Michelle Trachtenberg Was 'Really Sick' and 'Struggling' Last Year Prior to Her Death, Says Source

Mar. 15, 2025

Michelle Trachtenberg in 2020.Photo:JC Olivera/WireImage

JC Olivera/WireImage

Michelle Trachtenbergwas “struggling” before her sudden death, a source says.

TheGossip Girlalum was 39 years old when she wasfound dead in New York Cityon Wednesday, Feb. 26. A source tells PEOPLE that in the year prior, Trachtenberg was “really down emotionally.” She also had been dealing with “health issues.”

“She told friends she was struggling,” the source says. “She was really, really sick and open with those in her circle about how much she was struggling.”

Physically, the insider claims Trachtenberg looked “pale, gaunt” and “very thin."

Michelle Trachtenberg in 2021.Chandler Allen/BFA.com/Shutterstock

Chandler Allen/BFA.com/Shutterstock

Around 8 a.m. on Feb. 26, police responded to a 911 call at 1 Columbus Place in New York City, the NYPD confirmed to PEOPLE. “Upon arrival, officers observed a 39-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive. EMS responded to the location and pronounced the victim deceased. Criminality is not suspected.”

The investigation is still ongoing. TheNew York Postwas first to report.

PEOPLE learned Trachtenberg had recentlyundergone a liver transplant. A source toldABC Newsthat may have led to complications.

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Although Trachtenberg did not publicly reveal any health conditions, she didrespond to people questioning her wellbeingafter she posted aselfie to her Instagramin January 2024.

“Fun fact. This is my face,“she captioned a follow-up post. “Not malnutrition no problems. Why do you have to hate? Get a calendar.”

Trachtenberg got her start in commercials before landing roles on Nickelodeon’sThe Adventures of Pete & PeteandAll My Childrenat 9 years old in 1993. She went on to star inHarriet the Spyin 1996,and then took on the role of Dawn Summers, Buffy’s little sister, inBuffy the Vampire Slayer.

From 2008 through 2012, Trachtenberg played Georgina Sparks, a recurring character on the hit seriesGossip Girl. In 2023, she reprised the role for two episodes of the Max reboot, which ultimately marked her last onscreen appearance.

source: people.com