Michelle Trachtenberg, 'Gossip Girl' and 'Buffy' star, dead at 39
Michelle Trachtenberg, the actress who captivated viewers as Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl and Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died at 39.
According to the New York City police, Michelle Trachtenberg was found unconscious inside her Manhattan apartment just after 8 a.m. (local time) by her mother.
Reports revealed that the Disney star recently underwent a liver transplant and has been suffering complications. Despite complications from the procedure, authorities state that her death was due to natural causes.
An autopsy is scheduled to be performed by the medical examiner's office to confirm the exact cause and manner of the star's untimely passing.
"The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time,” Gary Mantoosh, a representative for Michelle, said.
Michelle Trachtenberg first gained popularity with her roles in The Adventures of Pete & Pete, Nickelodeon's first feature film, 1996's Harriet the Spy, and the 2000 Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She later became well-known for her role as Georgina Sparks in the hit 2008 series Gossip Girl and for starring in the 2009 comedy-fantasy film 17 Again.
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Kim Sae-ron
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Kim Rieul
Kim Rieul, born Kim Jong-won, was a renowned South Korean fashion designer celebrated for modernizing the traditional hanbok, Korea's national attire. He gained international acclaim for his innovative designs, notably dressing K-pop superstars BTS and MONSTA X in contemporary hanbok-inspired outfits. In 2025, Kim Rieul passed away at the age of 32. His body was discovered outside his parents' apartment in Namwon, South Korea. Initial investigations suggest the possibility of suicide, though authorities have not confirmed the exact cause of death.
Lee Yoo-joo
Lee Yoo-joo was a prominent South Korean yoga instructor, celebrated for her expertise and contributions to the wellness community. She gained widespread recognition through her appearances on the popular South Korean reality show Infinite Challenge. Lee Yoo-joo passed away in 2025 at the age of 35. Her death was confirmed by her yoga studio, Yogaum, which expressed deep sorrow over her untimely passing.
Moonbin
Fans of K-pop group ASTRO were left devastated with the demise of Moonbin. The 25-year-old idol passed away in 2023. He reportedly died by suicide at his residence in Gangnam, Seoul. Hiss passing deeply affected fans and the entertainment industry, highlighting the pressures faced by K-pop idols. His family, including his sister Moon Sua, a member of the girl group Billlie, and his ASTRO bandmates, mourned his loss.
Lee Sun-kyun
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Jung Chae-yul
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Haesoo
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Na Chul
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Park Soo-ryun
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Song Jae-lim
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Park Min-jae
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Shin Hae-ri
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Park Boram
South Korean singer Park Boram passed away at age 30 in Guri-si, South Korea. Autopsy report found that she died from acute alcohol intoxication. She is remembered for her songs in K-drama soundtracks including "Please say something, even though it is a lie," "Falling," "Hyehwa-dong," "When I Look at You," among others.
Kim Soo-Mi
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Park Ji-Ah
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Choi Sung-bong
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Lee Ji-su
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Kim Jong-hyun
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Sulli
Sulli, whose real name was Choi Jin-ri, was a South Korean singer, actress, and model, best known for being a member of the girl group f(x). She passed away in 2019, at the age of 25. Her body was found at her home in Seoul, and her death was ruled as a suicide. Sulli had been open about her struggles with mental health, and she had been the target of cyberbullying throughout her career. Her death sparked widespread discussions about the pressure placed on celebrities, particularly female idols, and the need for better mental health support in the entertainment industry.