‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Cast Reacts to Michelle Trachtenberg’s Death

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.

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.

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.” 

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.”

Trachtenberg remained close with many of her Buffy costars through the years, including Gellar, whom she frequently reunited with.

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. 

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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.