Following the heartbreaking news of Michelle Trachtenberg’s passing at the age of 39, her ex-boyfriend, X-Men star Shawn Ashmore, has shared an emotional tribute, remembering the years they spent together.
As previously reported, the Harriet the Spy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer actress was found dead by her mother early Wednesday morning at One Columbus Place, a luxury high-rise near Central Park in Manhattan, police sources confirmed to The New York Post.
Authorities arrived to find her “unconscious and unresponsive” before EMS pronounced her dead at the scene.
While her cause of death remains unknown, police have stated that it is not being treated as suspicious. The New York City medical examiner is set to determine an official ruling.
Sources have since revealed to The Post that Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant, though it is unclear whether it played a role in her passing.
Shawn Ashmore’s Emotional Tribute
Following Trachtenberg’s death, tributes have poured in from fans and co-stars alike. One of the most emotional tributes comes from the actress’ ex-boyfriend Shawn Ashmore.
They met while filming the short-lived television series The Mountain, and made many public appearances together.
Ashmore – who dated Trachtenberg from 2004 to 2006 – took to social media to express his grief.
“Incredibly sad to hear about Michelle’s passing,” he wrote. “She was an incredible person, and I will always remember the years we spent together fondly. She was loving, quirky, and would never pass up a Law & Order: SVU marathon.”
He also shared condolences to her family, adding: “My condolences to her mother Lana and sister Irene! This is an incredible loss!”
Speaking with Blackfilm about how she “met an X-Man”, Trachtenberg joked at the time: “Well, I put out an ad in the classifieds. ‘Wanted, superhero. I’m a damsel in distress.'”
“No, we just met, which is funny, knowing Shawn, he hates anything publicity,” she added. “He’s so not into that world. We met at an Oscar party and he was just like Mr. Grumpy unhappy to be out in public and I totally approached him. I was the forward one, I take full credit and actually, we’ve been together a year.”
Ashmore joined a wave of celebrities paying tribute to Trachtenberg.
Harriet the Spy co-star Rosie O’Donnell called the news “heartbreaking,” adding: “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
While Gossip Girl star Ed Westwick wrote: “So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg, sending prayers.”
Fellow Buffy alum David Boreanaz added, “So very sad … horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family.”
Her Final Instagram Posts and Fan Tributes
Just a week before her death, on February 18, Trachtenberg posted a throwback photo of herself wearing a green dress, captioning it, “I wanted to look like naughty, #Tinkerbell.” Since the news of her passing broke, the post has been flooded with heartfelt tributes from fans.
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“Rest in peace. Thank you for raising us all with your endless iconic roles,” one follower wrote. Another added, “You crafted so many characters that many of us were connected to. Thank you for sharing your life and talent with us. You’ll be missed.”
One fan shared a poignant memory, recalling meeting her at an airport 18 years ago. “You sat and talked with me for about 45 minutes when you didn’t have to while we were waiting on our flight to Chicago. I kept that picture all the way up until last year when my computer crashed and it was lost. Thanks for the conversation and the memory, Michelle.”
Prior to this final post, Trachtenberg had shared a series of throwback photos on February 17, 15, and 14, as well as a Valentine’s Day post dedicated to her partner, talent agent Jay Cohen.
On February 12, she posted a more recent selfie with the caption: “Eye of the Tiger.”
Defending Herself Against Health Speculation
In the past year, fans had expressed concern over Trachtenberg’s appearance, pointing out her apparent weight loss and a yellowish tint in her eyes. However, she was quick to shut down speculation.
“Explain to me how I look sick,” she wrote in response to a follower’s comment last January. She also reminded fans of her age, saying: “Did you lose a calendar and not realize I’m not 14? I’m 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment.”
She later doubled down in a separate post, writing: “I have never had plastic surgery. I am happy and healthy. Check yourself, haters.”
A Talent Loved By A Whole Generation
Born in New York City on October 11, 1985, Trachtenberg began acting at just three years old. She gained early recognition in Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete before breaking out in 1996’s Harriet the Spy. She later starred as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and played the scheming Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl.
Her film credits included EuroTrip, Ice Princess, and 17 Again.
As Hollywood mourns the loss of a beloved actress who helped shape the childhoods of a generation, questions remain about what led to her sudden passing.
While investigations continue, fans continue to flood her social media with tributes, remembering her kindness, talent, and the roles that made her an icon of the ’90s and 2000s.
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