Since Michelle Trachtenberg’s passing was announced, she’s received an outpouring of love from people who knew her, including former co-star Blake Lively. Unfortunately, some people who saw Lively’s message thought she was being insincere.
Upon hearing about her “Gossip Girl” co-star Michelle Trachtenberg’s death on February 26, 2025, Blake Lively paid tribute to her on social media. She shared a still from an episode of the show on her Instagram Story, showing her and Trachtenberg interacting.
Lively wrote a long but heartfelt post on top of the image, explaining that the photo captured the first day they met. She described the late actress as “electricity,” saying, “You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed.”
She shared that Trachtenberg gave her all in everything she did, giving “200%.” Lively recalled how her co-star laughed to “the fullest” at people’s jokes. She confronted authority head-on when she felt there was injustice and cared deeply about her work.
Blake Lively and Michelle Trachtenberg at the CFDA Fashion Awards on June 15, 2009, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
The actress also revealed that Trachtenberg was proud to be part of the Hollywood community and industry despite the challenges it sometimes brought. She was loyal to her friends and displayed courage for those she loved. The actress further described her late co-star as bold, big-hearted, and “distinctly herself.”
She also mentioned that Trachtenberg “always had yummy caramel-smelling lipgloss on, because she didn’t just want to sparkle on camera; she liked creating an experience for anyone who was in her orbit, even down to the subtle smell of her lipgloss because she cared about the sweet details.”
Jessica Szohr, Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Eric Daman, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Ed Westwick at the “You Know You Want It” publication celebration on January 12, 2010, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
According to Lively, Trachtenberg was also a deeply kind person. Mourning her co-star, she expressed how she had taken for granted the possibility of seeing her “old friend” again. Paraphrasing a quote to describe her feelings, she said, “The real tragedies in life are the ones that blindside you on an idle Tuesday.”
Lively concluded her post by urging her fans to cherish the people they hold dear. She shared that the world had lost someone deeply sensitive and good. The start ended her message with, “May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire.”
However, some people who saw Lively’s tribute questioned her intentions. One person commented, “It’s not coming off as genuine idc idc idc.” Another critic speculated, “She wants the spotlight again.”
Someone else wrote, “I can’t believe this tone deaf [sic] actress is using Michele’s death to further her own agenda. SHAMELESS!!!!!!” Responding to a part of Lively’s statement, another netizen remarked, “That’s a weird statement.”
\One person who disapproved of the actress’s message said, “That’s low, with all the negative looks she’s getting Blake needs all the good publicity she needs [sic]. That’s why she posted about Michelle,” while another Instagram user called her “Fake Blake 🙄.”
Someone else labeled Lively’s statement as “Another PR stunt. It’s so gross and I’m over it!” Meanwhile, another person commented, “Blake literally knows nothing about this young woman or her friends … Lip Gloss? Just poor Blake trying to change her narrative off of another’s death.”
However, breaking the mold, one Instagram user offered a different perspective, stating, “Such a sweet tribute.” Echoing the same sentiment, someone else wrote, “What a beautiful way to remember Michelle through Blake’s words! May she rest peacefully! Loved her as Georgina Sparks and Dawn Summers!”
Despite the criticism, Blake Lively‘s heartfelt tribute to Trachtenberg showcased the love and respect she had for her late co-star. Although her intentions were questioned by some, her words highlighted the beautiful memories they once shared.
Since Trachtenberg’s unexpected death, some of her neighbors have also shared their memories of her. One even revealed information that suggests something was wrong with the actress before she died.
Trachtenberg passed away at the age of 39, and in tribute, people who lived near her in the New York City neighborhood she lived in have since opened up about their experiences with her.
The actress, who had become a cherished member of her community, was found dead in her Midtown West Side apartment. According to police sources, her mother, Lana, discovered her body at around 8 a.m. at One Columbus Place, a luxury high-rise near Central Park in New York City.
Michelle and Lana Trachtenberg during Intuition and Shopintuition.com Host “Get With It” red carpet in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Rafael Williams, a resident who lived above Trachtenberg, shared fond memories of the late star, “Michelle always seemed happy, I never noticed anything off about her at all.”
“I didn’t know her personally, but she always made a point to say ‘Hi’ in the elevator. It’s shocking to me because she didn’t seem to have a problem in the world,” Williams continued. “I just hope her family is OK.”
Ariana Rodriguez, another neighbor, spoke about the relationship Trachtenberg had with her longtime boyfriend, Jay Cohen. Rodriguez described Trachtenberg as “a great neighbor,” adding, “She wasn’t loud, [and] smiled at everyone in the hallways.”
Reflecting on her interactions with the couple, she said, “I saw her with her boyfriend a few times and they were always walking either hand-in-hand or with his arm around her.”
However, Rodriguez also noted a concerning change she had observed, mentioning how “svelte” Trachtenberg had become. She remarked that the actress looked, “less and less like herself in the last few months.”
Reflecting on the impact of Trachtenberg’s death, Rodriguez expressed, “I’m so sad that I won’t be seeing her anymore in the building. She always said ‘Hi’ to me.”
In the past few years, fans have expressed concern over the late actress’ appearance in Instagram posts where she appeared thinner. Their speculations about her health prompted her to respond in January 2024.
In an Instagram post, she clarified, “I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery.” She then reassured her followers about her positive state of health and well-being, concluding with a critical remark directed at those who made negative comments.
After hearing the heartbreaking news of her death, former cast members of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” paid tribute to their late co-star. They lovingly honored Trachtenberg’s talent, humor, and presence on set.
Tom Lenk, Emma Caulfield, Alexis Denisof, Alyson Hannigan, Anthony Stewart Head, Joss Whedon, Michelle Trachtenberg, and James Marsters at the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” wrap party on April 18, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
Their heartfelt social media messages reflected time spent with the late star and the deep bond they formed during the show. James Marsters, who played Spike in the series, took to Instagram to share his grief over Trachtenberg’s passing. He described her as a “beautiful soul,” “fiercely intelligent,” and “howlingly funny.”
Marsters added, “She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her.” The actor also expressed his sympathies for the late star’s family, calling them “good people” who are facing an unimaginable loss.
James Marsters, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Marti Noxon at UPN’s TCA party in Los Angeles on January 14, 2002 | Source: Getty Images
Marsters also urged others to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time, concluding his tribute, “Godspeed, Michelle. You are missed.” Another former co-star, Alyson Hannigan, known for her role as Willow Rosenberg in the classic series, shared her reflections on Trachtenberg’s presence on the show’s set.
Posting on the same platform as Marsters, the actress recalled, “She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends.” David Boreanaz, who portrayed Angel, shared a brief but heartfelt message on his Instagram Story, calling the news “very sad” and “horrible.”
David Boreanaz’s heartfelt tribute to Michelle Trachtenberg following her passing at 39 | Source: Instagram/imdboreanaz
In an emotional Instagram Story, Emma Caulfield, who starred as Anya Jenkins, described Trachtenberg as a “bright light” and the “little sister” of their “Buffy” family. “Rest in peace, lovely Mish Mish. You were loved,” she concluded her post.
In a follow-up post showing her and others posing with the late actress during happier times, she simply added, “Sleep well, Michelle.
Since her death, and as tributes continue to come in, a publication revealed that Jay Cohen, a talent agent, was seen at Trachtenberg’s family home in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles. It was clear that he was emotional as he answered the door and stated 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, having first been linked in 2020.
Days before her passing, on February 18, the late actress shared her final Instagram post. She uploaded a throwback close-up photo of herself wearing a green dress. She appeared to be in good spirits, writing, “I wanted to look like naughty #tinkerbell 💚 #throwback ⚡️.”
The police became involved after the New York Police Department (NYPD) responded to a 911 call reporting an unconscious female at the residence.
In a statement, officials said, “Upon arrival, officers observed a 39-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive. EMS (Emergency Medical Services) responded to the location and pronounced the victim deceased. Criminality is not suspected.”
The cause of death has not been officially confirmed, but sources indicated that the actress had recently undergone a liver transplant. The investigation remains ongoing.
The late actress was an award-winning star with over three decades in the entertainment industry. She was best known for her roles as Georgina Sparks in “Gossip Girl” and Dawn Summers in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
However, she actually began her career much earlier, making her television debut at the age of nine on Nickelodeon’s “The Adventures of Pete & Pete.” She later gained fame by starring in the 1996 film “Harriet the Spy.”
Trachtenberg eventually transitioned to adult roles by appearing in movies like “EuroTrip,” “17 Again,” and “Ice Princess.” In the 2023 reboot of “Gossip Girl,” she reprised her role as Georgina Sparks, with the series airing on Max. The role became her final credited acting role.
