Michelle Trachtenberg, who became famous for her role as Buffy's younger sister Dawn in the series "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and as a scheming socialite in the series "Gossip Girl", has died, the New York Police Department announced, quoted by BGNES and BNR. She was 39 years old.
The department reported that officers who responded to a 911 call shortly after 8:00 a.m. on the morning of February 26, Ms. Trachtenberg was found unconscious and helpless in a Manhattan apartment. She was pronounced dead by emergency medical personnel who also responded to the call.
The medical examiner will determine the cause of death, the department said, adding that no foul play is suspected.
Starting out as a child, Michelle Trachtenberg has a long list of film and television appearances that have made her a favorite of a generation of fans.
In 1996, she starred as Harriet Welsh, an 11-year-old who meticulously records her observations of her neighbors and classmates, in the film "Harriet the Spy", based on the 1964 children's book of the same name by Louise Fitzhugh. The film also stars Rosie O'Donnell as Harriet's nanny, Ole Golly.
Michelle Trachtenberg also stars as Casey Carlyle, the heroine of the 2005 figure skating film "Frozen Princess". Her other roles include those in the 2004 gritty teen comedy "Eurotrip" and the 2009 comedy "17 Again", which also starred Zac Efron and Matthew Perry.