In her final days, it seems like Michelle Trachtenberg knew things weren’t looking good. Like, she had a feeling.
A friend of hers, photographer and media personality Amanda de Cadenet, shared a post on Instagram the night of February 26, talking about one of their last conversations while Michelle was in the hospital “recently.”
RELATED STORIES
Amanda de Cadenet shares their last conversation
Amanda posted an old photo of Michelle, probably from her teen years, and wrote, “Sweetheart Michelle. What sad news this morning to wake up to. It feels weird and awful to be posting this, but I want to acknowledge your death because I cared about you.”
She went on, “I will always remember you as the young, vivacious woman I met when I took this photo of you…. and seeing your face from the hospital bed when we FaceTimed recently, even though you did not look like you, your sweetness and humor were still alive.”
Amanda didn’t spill too many details but did say, “I will not share the details of our conversation over the last 6 months, but you knew that death was a high possibility, and I am only sorry that the outcome was not a better one.”
She ended the tribute with, “I hope your spirit is finally at peace.”
Tributes pour in from those who adored her
After the news broke that Michelle had passed away on the morning of February 26, tons of people who knew and loved her shared tributes. She was found in her apartment in New York. She was 39.
Gossip Girl costar Blake Lively remembers Michelle
On Instagram stories, Blake shared a photo of them on set and wrote that it was taken on the first day they met.
“She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%,” Blake wrote.
“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 and industry as painful as it could be sometimes, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself.”
She wrapped it up by saying, “Hold those you love and have loved dear. The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle. May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire.”
Buffy cast reacts to her passing
Michelle first became a household name playing Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, so of course, her former co-stars had a lot to say.
David Boreanaz, who played Angel, posted, “So very sad…. Horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family.”
“My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul,” James Marsters, who played Spike, wrote via Instagram.
“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. … Godspeed Michelle. You are missed.”
Emma Caulfield, who played Anya, shared via her Instagram story: “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.”
Alyson Hannigan, who played Willow Rosenberg, shared with her Instagram followers: “I am deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing. She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends.”
Clare Kramer, who played Glory, wrote via Instagram: “Peace out little one.✌️🧿⚡️💔 A talented & kind soul gone way too soon!💧You’re free to fly now… 🕊️.”
Her mother discovered her body in her apartment
Sources say it was Michelle’s mom who found her that morning, around 8 a.m., in her luxury Manhattan apartment near Central Park.
Her rep, Gary Mantoosh, confirmed the news, saying, “It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time.”
No autopsy was performed for religious reasons
Michelle’s family decided against an autopsy for religious reasons, so there’s no official cause of death. The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner didn’t push for one either, since there was no sign of foul play.
Her liver transplant likely contributed to her passing
No official cause of death yet, but some sources say it might’ve had something to do with a liver transplant she had last year.
Her final Instagram post was a nostalgic throwback
The last thing Michelle posted on Instagram was a throwback from 2013. It was a pic of her on the red carpet at the premiere of Killing Kennedy in California.
She wore a green dress and had her hair swept to one side. In the caption, she joked, “I wanted to look like naughty #tinkerbell #throwback.”
Fans flood her final Instagram post with tributes
After Michelle’s passing, fans rushed to her last Instagram post to leave heartfelt messages.
One comment read, “Will never forget your laugh, your wit or your light. Rest in peace, Michelle.”
Another fan wrote, “We grew up with you. Rest in power, Michelle.”
Even actress Selma Blair dropped a comment: “I love you forever. One of the few. Your memory will be a blessing.”
She had an impressive career from childhood to adulthood
Michelle had been acting since she was a kid. Early on, she was in The Adventures of Pete & Pete and Harriet the Spy, but most people remember her best as Dawn in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Later, she played Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl from 2008 to 2012.
She had a solid career, and fans will definitely remember her for years to come.
Last Updated on March 2, 2025 by Reem Haqqi
