Michelle Trachtenberg, the former child star known for a wide range of TV and film roles including in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Gossip Girl,” has died at the age of 39, sources told The Post.
Trachtenberg was found by her mother around 8 a.m. Wednesday at One Columbus Place, a 51-story luxury apartment complex in Manhattan’s Central Park South neighborhood, the sources said.
The actress underwent a liver transplant within the last year, but her body may have rejected the organ, according to sources, who said she died of natural causes.
The NYPD confirmed Trachtenberg was found “unconscious and unresponsive” by police and pronounced dead by EMS workers. They responded to the building after a 911 call reporting a woman experiencing cardiac arrest.
Her death is not deemed suspicious and the city medical examiner will determine the cause, cops said.
“It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss,” Trachtenberg’s representative, Gary Mantoosh, said in a statement.
Trachtenberg had posted a series of troubling photos in recent months to Instagram, in which she appeared gaunt and frail, prompting some fans to comment about her startling weight loss or ask if she was on drugs.
Last January, Trachtenberg responded to fan concerns, saying she was “happy and healthy” and had never had plastic surgery.
That same month, Trachtenberg posted a selfie, writing “Snake it to make it” in the caption.
Eagle-eyed fans noticed a slight jaundice tint in her eyes, raising worry about the actress’ health. Yellow eyes can be a symptom of liver problems.
Born in New York City on Oct. 11, 1985 and raised in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, Trachtenberg’s first credited role came at the age of 9 on the classic 1990s Nickelodeon series “The Adventures of Pete and Pete,” in which she portrayed quirky gal-pal Nona F. Mecklenberg.
She went on to star in a variety of kid-oriented movies and shows, making her film debut in 1996’s “Harriet the Spy,” in which she played the title character.
