Michelle Trachtenberg’s Mom Saw Her Alive a Day Before Her Death – Details

According to sources, Lana last saw her daughter alive at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, noting that she appeared active despite her health struggles. Just days earlier, on the previous Thursday night, the actress had also been out with friends at Sartiano’s in New York City.

The actress’ sudden death has shocked her family. Tragically, Lana was also the one to discover Trachtenberg’s body in bed. She was lying on her back and unresponsive.

Lana alerted the police and paramedics, who arrived at the scene in her Manhattan apartment and confirmed Trachtenberg’s passing. Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant months prior.

Sources have shared that complications with her liver and thyroid, arising from the transplant, may have played a role in her death. They added that Trachtenberg’s body may have rejected the transplant, potentially contributing to her demise. Still, her official cause of death is yet to be confirmed.

Michelle Trachtenberg never spoke of her health issues and had hit back at some online users who suggested she was unwell. In January 2024, she posted a selfie on Instagram and captioned it, “Fun fact. This is my face. Not malnutrition no problems. Why do you have you hate? Get a calendar [sic].”

Before this post, she had also shared a selfie, and in the captions directed her words at users who kept commenting on her outlook. She wrote, “I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery I am happy and healthy. Check yourself haters.”

Now, after her demise, Trachtenberg’s family has asked for privacy as they mourn their loved one. British photographer and media personality, Amanda de Cadenet, who was Trachtenberg’s friend, is devastated by her death.

She penned an emotional tribute on Instagram, “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.”

Cadenet appreciated the connection she had with Trachtenberg and shared gratitude for their recent interactions. She remembered the actress as the vibrant young woman she first met when capturing a memorable photo of her, which she posted alongside her caption.

Cadenet concluded, “Wishing you a peaceful transition sweet friend and may your spirit finally rest. 🫶.” Just like Trachtenberg, Cadenet started her career at a young age. Today, she is a thriving entrepreneur, host, photographer and advocate.

Trachtenberg began her career in entertainment as a child, first appearing in commercials before landing roles on Nickelodeon’s “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” and the soap opera “All My Children.”

She gained wider recognition as the lead in “Harriet the Spy” before securing her most iconic role as Dawn Summers in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

Following her time on the horror series, Trachtenberg became known for her portrayal of Georgina Sparks in “Gossip Girl,” a role she played throughout the show’s run. She later reprised the character in 2023 for two episodes of the reboot, marking her final onscreen appearance.

On Thanksgiving in 2020, Trachtenberg made a gratitude post, reflecting on her personal and professional life.

She noted, “I’m so very grateful for my 30+ year career, my mom, my sister. As we get ready for Thanksgiving, and most can’t be with their family or friends due to the global pandemic. My hope is, that you can still find something to be grateful for. And perhaps: it’s just being alive during these wild times. ❤️💋.”

Now, many A-listers have taken to social media to celebrate the life of Trachtenberg and speak of her impact through her work in the entertainment industry. Her ex-boyfriend has also opened up about her loss, posting a heartfelt tribute on social media.

Yesterday, on February 26, 2025, Hollywood star Shawn Ashmore took to Instagram to dedicate a tribute post to the late and great Trachtenberg. The two had once dated.

In his post, Ashmore reflected on their years together, sharing his grief and condolences with her loved ones. “Incredibly sad to hear about Michelle’s passing,” Ashmore wrote.

“She was an incredible person, and I will always remember the years we spent together fondly. She was loving, quirky, and would never pass up a ‘law & order: SVU’ marathon 🙂 My condolences to her mother, Lana, and sister, Irene! This is an incredible loss!” he concluded.

Along with his heartfelt message, Ashmore posted a nostalgic throwback photo of himself and Trachtenberg from their younger years. The image captures the two at a red carpet event, with the “Gossip Girl” star looking radiant in a white dress accessorized with layered necklaces.

Meanwhile, Ashmore sported a relaxed yet stylish black blazer over a gray shirt. The duo exuded warmth and familiarity, and their close stance in the image reflects a bond that clearly meant a lot to him.

The “Cadet Kelly” actor is not the only person who has honored Trachtenberg’s life with a dedication post, as many other stars have spoken out about her death.

The cast of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is remembering Trachtenberg, who was a part of the show’s cast. They have honored her talent, humor, and presence on set, sharing heartfelt messages on social media, which reflect on their time together and the deep bond they formed during the show.

James Marsters, who played Spike in the series, expressed his grief on Instagram over Trachtenberg’s passing. He described her as a “beautiful soul,” “fiercely intelligent” and “howlingly funny.” He added, “She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her.”

Marsters also expressed his sympathy for Trachtenberg’s family, calling them “good people” facing an unimaginable loss. He urged others to respect their privacy during this difficult time and ended his tribute with a somber farewell, “Godspeed, Michelle. You are missed.”

Alyson Hannigan, known for her role as Willow Rosenberg in the classic TV series, reflected on Trachtenberg’s presence on the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” set. Sharing her thoughts on Instagram, she wrote, “She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends.”

David Boreanaz, who portrayed Angel in the TV show, shared a brief but heartfelt message on his Instagram Story, calling the news “very sad” and “horrible.”

Emma Caulfield, who played Anya Jenkins in the iconic series, described Trachtenberg as a”bright light” and the “little sister” of their “Buffy” family in an emotional Instagram Story. “Rest in peace, lovely Mish Mish. You were loved,” she wrote.

In a follow-up post, Caulfield simply added, “Sleep well, Michelle.” The message included a photo of her with Trachtenberg and two other women, all elegantly dressed and smiling.

As tributes continue to pour in, new details have emerged about Trachtenberg’s passing, which happened on Wednesday, February 26. Her longtime boyfriend, talent agent Jay Cohen, was seen at her family’s home in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Cohen, visibly emotional, answered the door and told the publication that the family would “not be commenting on the tragedy.” His presence suggests that he and Trachtenberg were still together at the time of her death, as they were first linked in 2020.

Just days before her passing, Trachtenberg shared her final Instagram post on February 18. Alongside a throwback photo in a green dress, she captioned, “I wanted to look like naughty #tinkerbell 💚 #throwback ⚡️.” The post has since been filled with messages from fans mourning her loss.

Trachtenberg was just 39 years old at the time of her passing. According to the police, the late talented actress was found around 8 a.m. yesterday at One Columbus Place, a luxury high-rise near Central Park in New York City.

The NYPD responded to a 911 call reporting an unconscious female at the residence. In a statement to People, officials said, “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.”

Born in New York City on October 11, 1985, Trachtenberg grew up in a close-knit family and was often seen at public events with her mother. Her work in television and film left a lasting impact, making her a beloved figure among fans of multiple generations.

Her passing marks a significant loss in the entertainment industry, where she was known for her versatility, charm, and dedication to her craft. Our thoughts go out to her family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. RIP, Trachtenberg.