Michelle Trachtenberg's Neighbors Speak Out After Her Tragic Passing

Since Michelle Trachtenberg's unexpected death, some of her neighbors have shared their memories of her. One even revealed information that suggests something was wrong with the actress before she died.

A tragedy occurred on February 26, 2025, when actress Michelle Trachtenberg passed away at the age of 39. In tribute, people who lived near Trachtenberg in her New York City neighborhood 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.

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.

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.

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."

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.