Blake Lively has paid a touching tribute to her former Gossip Girl co-star Michelle Trachtenberg following the actress’s tragic passing at the age of 39.
Trachtenberg was found unresponsive at One Columbus Place in New York around 8 a.m. on February 26. Authorities have stated that her death is not being treated as suspicious, and a medical examiner will determine the cause.
In a statement, her representatives confirmed the heartbreaking news:
“It is with great sadness that we confirm Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy during this difficult time.”
Lively Remembers Her “Kind” and “Electric” Friend
Taking to Instagram, Lively reflected on Trachtenberg’s vibrant spirit, sharing a photo from the day they met nearly two decades ago on the Gossip Girl set.
“This is the first day I met Michelle. She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200 percent.”
Lively described Trachtenberg as someone who embraced life fully—laughing the loudest, standing up for what she believed in, and pouring passion into her work.
“She was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved. She was big and bold and distinctly herself.”
She also shared a heartfelt memory, recalling how Trachtenberg always wore caramel-scented lip gloss—not just to shine on camera but to create a pleasant experience for those around her.
“She was a kind person, through and through.”
A Tragic and Unexpected Loss
Lively encouraged her 44 million followers to cherish their loved ones, reflecting on the suddenness of Trachtenberg’s passing:
“Time passes. You take for granted that you get the chance to see an old friend. To paraphrase, the real tragedies in life are the ones that blindside you on an idle Tuesday.”
She ended her tribute with a moving farewell:
“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.”
Hollywood and Fans Pay Tribute
Lively wasn’t the only Gossip Girl alum to honor Trachtenberg. Ed Westwick, who played Chuck Bass, shared a brief but heartfelt message on his Instagram Story:
“So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg. Sending prayers. 🤍🙏”
Fans also flooded social media with tributes, remembering the actress as a “legendary” and “talented” performer.
A Legacy That Endures
Trachtenberg’s career began at just three years old, with early recognition in Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete (1994–1996). She later starred in Eurotrip (2004) before rising to fame as Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl and Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer—a role that earned her three Saturn Award nominations and a Young Artist Award.
Her talent extended across film and television, with notable roles in Ice Princess (2005), 17 Again (2009) alongside Zac Efron, and the animated series Human Kind Of, where she voiced Judy Reilly.
The LADbible Group has reached out to the NYPD and Trachtenberg’s representatives for further comment.