‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ Alum Michelle Trachtenberg Dead At 39

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, famous for her starring roles in several television shows and movies, has died.

Trachtenberg’s death comes after she posted multiple troubling photos in recent months on Instagram, where she has over 800k followers.

Police sources confirmed Trachtenberg’s death on Wednesday. However, not much information was made available concerning her passing.

A source told the New York Post, “Her death is not being investigated as suspicious.”

Her cause of death also remains unknown.

Weeks before Trachtenberg’s passing, fans expressed concerns over her health and well-being, with some even thinking she was addicted to heroin, while others felt nothing was wrong with the snaps.

On January 26, she shared a selfie that showed her wearing a puffy jacket and face cap. The actress didn’t use any filter in the snapshot.

One fan wrote, “There is something wrong and I am not a hater.”

Another fan added, “Heroin addiction is so sad.”

However, a third person felt Trachtenberg looked “gorgeous,” while another person gushed over her, writing, “She finally looks like she’s in her mid to late 20s.”

Another of Trachtenberg’s fans defended her appearance, writing that people felt she looked odd because she didn’t use filters. The fan added, “If M. Michelle Trachtenberg wanted to have comments on how beautiful she is, she would post a picture with filters, like most of actresses…”

In January 2024, Trachtenberg faced more scrutiny from some fans on Instagram after she posted a selfie featuring “Spy Kids” star Alexa PenaVega during a hair salon visit.

After the post, many fans commented, some of them expressing worry over Trachtenberg’s appearance.

One fan noted potential signs in Trachtenberg’s look, pointing out her “yellowing eyes, hair loss, and sunken features.” The fan then suggested she should go for a medical evaluation to reveal possible issues with her health.

Another fan added, “Michelle you look sick. Are you ok?” Trachtenberg responded, expressing her displeasure at the fan’s comment.

She wrote, “Explain to me how I look sick. Did you lose a calendar and not realize I’m not 14 [?] I’m 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment.”

The fan promptly apologized to Trachtenberg, after which she shared another picture on Instagram, which she captioned, “I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery. I am happy and healthy. Check yourself, haters.”

In February 2021, Michelle Trachtenberg made shocking allegations against “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” creator Joss Whedon, revealing that he was barred from being alone with her on set.

The actress shared the claim in an updated Instagram post, stating, “There was a rule. Saying. He’s not allowed in a room alone with Michelle again.”

Carpenter claimed Whedon mocked her weight during pregnancy and abused his power on set, leading to lasting emotional and physical distress.

Michelle Trachtenberg’s death is coming weeks after a “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” reboot was announced.

Academy Award-winning director Chloé Zhao is set to direct the pilot episode, while Poker Face writers Nora and Lilla Zuckerman will handle the script.

Streaming service Hulu is reportedly close to ordering the pilot, with Dolly Parton’s production company, Sandollar, backing the project.

While no other original cast members have been confirmed, a writers’ room was reportedly being assembled, signaling strong confidence in the series. Notably, “Buffy” creator Joss Whedon will have no involvement in the reboot following the allegations against him, which he denied.