Gossip GirlStars Ed Westwick, Chace Crawford & More React to Michelle Trachtenberg's Death at 39: 'A Terrible Loss'

Mar. 15, 2025

Michelle Trachtenberg’sGossip Girlfamily is remembering her afterher sudden death at age 39.

In a series of tributes, creators of the CW series and costars includingEd Westwick,Chace Crawford,Blake Lively,Taylor MomsenandJessica Szohrshared their memories of the late star, who played scheming socialite Georgina Sparks on the beloved show.

Trachtenberg was found dead on Wednesday, Feb. 26 in a New York City apartment near Columbus Circle. The investigation is ongoing, although police say"criminality is not suspected."

The actress first appeared on the series in season 1’s “Desperately Seeking Serena” and ultimately starred in 28 episodes total. She reprised her character in two episodes ofthe 2021 reboot of the same name.

Michelle Trachtenberg makes her first appearance as Georgina Sparks in ‘Gossip Girl’.Giovanni Rufino/THE CW

Giovanni Rufino/THE CW

Westwick, 37, who played Chuck Bass for the show’s original run from 2007 to 2012, was one of the first starts to speak out, in an exclusive statement shared with PEOPLE.

“‘It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Michelle but I remember a talented, sharp, funny and warm soul,” he said. “Thinking of her and the family. So sad.’”

He also remembered his late costar in an emotional post on hisInstagram Stories.

Ed Westwick’s Instagram Story.The CW

The CW

Crawford, who found breakout fame as Nate Archibald onGossip Girl, penned a sweet post about Trachtenberg on Instagram.

“Michelle was one of a kind,” the actor, 39,wrote in the post. “I remember her coming on set for the first time and just absolutely owning it. She was a force of nature and just so so unapologetically funny and magnetic.. remembering those years with a big smile. Just a terrible loss. Love you ❤️”

Lively’s encouraged fans to “hold those you love” close in the wake of Trachtenberg’s death.

The 37-year-old actress, known toGossip Girlfans as Serena van der Woodsen, posted a lengthy tribute onher Instagram Storiesalongside a photo of the first day they met.

“She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%,” Lively wrote. “She laughed the fullest at someone’s joke, she faced authority head on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work, she was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be sometimes, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself.”

After calling Trachtenberg a “kind person, through and through,” Lively lamented and alluded to a lost connection between the pair. “Time passes,” she wrote. “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.”

Blake Lively honors Michelle Trachtenberg.Blake Lively/Instagram;The CW

Blake Lively/Instagram;The CW

Momsen, the actress known on screen as Jenny Humphrey, was “in shock” over Tractenberg’s death, whom she described as “smart and sassy, bold and sensitive, funny as f— and filled with fire.”

“I am so grateful to have had a friend like you in my life for so long. You were a true friend to me which is a rarity in this world and I can’t believe I won’t hear your voice again,” Momsen added in herInstagram tribute. “I grieve with all her fans around the world, and my heart is with her family and loved ones.”

The two added, “Her portrayal of Georgina Sparks was an iconic fan favorite, and grew from a one season villain to a beloved character who returned over the course of six seasons. She was a delight to have on set and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with her family.”

‘Gossip Girl’ cast from left: Jessica Szohr, Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, costume designer Eric Daman, Michelle Trachtenberg, Ed Westwick and Sebastian Stan in January 2010.Andrew H. Walker/Getty

Andrew H. Walker/Getty

As for Szohr, the actress — who played Vanessa Abrams on the teen drama —posted to Instagram a series of picturesof her and Tractenberg over the years.

“This amazing woman bursts onto the scene with energy that instantly brings a smile to your face,” Szohr, 39, wrote in the caption. “She’s not only a true professional, but she’s also the perfect antidote to anyone who takes life a bit too seriously. Her kindness and outrageous sense of humor create an atmosphere of joy, both on set and beyond.”

‘We shared countless laughs during filming, over the phone, and at various events," Szohr added. “Her captivating stories are so entertaining that you can’t help but want to hear more! She’s truly one of a kind. 💔”

Joshua Safran, creator of Max’s Gossip Girl reboot who also worked on the original series, shared a tribute viaXacross several tweets, which began, “It was an honor and joy to write for Michelle for so many years.”

“Writers don’t write specific characters on shows, even though many people believe they do. However: Georgina unlocked something in me in which writing her was the easiest thing I’d done,” he continued. “It was partially the character: devious, delicious, direct – the most fun to write. But it was also Michelle. She had such a clear voice as an actor. You heard her as you typed.”

“You knew she’d make each line rougher, more real, much funnier – and that made the writing better. She was an inspiration and an icon. There’s many reasons GG1 caught fire when we came back from the strike, but one of the biggest was the intro of her arc,” he added. “The injection of her. Long live Georgina Sparks, and the brilliant woman who gave her the fire. You will be forever missed. xoxo.”

Michelle Trachtenberg.Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage

Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage

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Trachtenberg cause of death has yet to be revealed. However, PEOPLE can confirm that she hadrecently undergone a liver transplantand may have experienced complications.

Sarah Michelle Gellar and Michelle Trachtenberg in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’.Richard Cartwright/20th Century Fox/Courtesy Everett Collection

Richard Cartwright/20th Century Fox/Courtesy Everett Collection

In addition toGossip Girl, Trachtenberg was known for roles inHarriet the Spy, Eurotrip,Ice Princessand17 Again.

She also starred in the seminal drama seriesBuffy the Vampire Slayeras Dawn Summers. Several of her former costars on that series have shared tributes in her honor, includingJames MarstersandDavid Boreanaz.

Marsters, who played Spike on the show, said in statement to PEOPLE, “My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her.”

Boreanaz — who played the vampire Angel — reacted to her death, writing on his Instagram Story, “So very sad …horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family."

source: people.com