Sarah Michelle Gellar Honors Michelle Trachtenberg on First Death Anniversary
Sarah Michelle Gellar has paid a heartfelt tribute to her former co-star Michelle Trachtenberg on the first anniversary of her tragic death at age 39. The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star, 48, took to Instagram to reflect on her decades-long bond with Trachtenberg, who passed away on February 26, 2025.
Emotional Instagram Post Marks Somber Milestone
"I'm not sure how it's been a year," Gellar began in her emotional post. "I'm one of the lucky ones who has over 30 years of memories with you. From our first day on set together, to less than a year later, when you were already taller than me."
The actress continued with poignant reflections: "But most of all, when I think of you, that smile that took up your entire face and brought so much joy to others is what comes to mind. You may not have been with us long enough, but we will make sure everyone remembers."
Nostalgic Photos Capture Decades of Friendship
Gellar shared a series of emotional throwback photographs documenting their friendship over the years:
- Smiling snapshots of the pair at various events and red carpet appearances
- A youthful photo showing the two beaming side-by-side as emerging stars
- An affectionate pose against a pink backdrop with arms wrapped around each other
The two actresses famously portrayed sisters Buffy Summers and Dawn Summers on the iconic television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which aired from 1997 to 2003.
Previous Tribute Echoed Buffy Dialogue
Following Trachtenberg's death last year, Gellar paid tribute by quoting a poignant line from their shared series: "Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you. The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you."
Fans and fellow actors flooded the comments of her latest post with messages of support. One wrote "Forever our Dawnie," while others described the tribute as "beautiful" and noted Trachtenberg was "gone way too soon."
Medical Examiner Reveals Cause of Death
Trachtenberg's cause of death was officially revealed in April 2025. According to a statement from the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner, she died due to complications from diabetes mellitus.
Officials cited lab results in declaring their findings to the Daily Mail and classified the death as natural. It was not immediately clear whether she had type 1 or type 2 diabetes. In the months prior to her passing, Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant.
Circumstances Surrounding Her Passing
Authorities with the New York Police Department previously told the Daily Mail that officers responded to a 911 call at approximately 8:01 a.m. on February 26, 2025, to 1 Columbus Place in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood.
"Upon arrival, officers observed a 39-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive. EMS responded to the location and pronounced the victim deceased," police said in a statement at the time. "Criminality is not suspected. The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death."
Her relatives had cited religious reasons for not wanting the results of her autopsy made public.
Trachtenberg's Career and Personal Life
Trachtenberg began her career as a child performer and became a household name through roles on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl. She started acting at age 10 in Harriet the Spy and later portrayed scheming socialite Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl from 2007 to 2012.
At the time of her death, Trachtenberg had been in a relationship with Jay Cohen, a partner at The Gersh Agency focused on film and distribution. The couple had been dating since 2020 and frequently shared affectionate messages on social media. Following her passing, Cohen told the Daily Mail that "the family will not be commenting on the tragedy."
