Michelle Trachtenberg’s Ex Shawn Ashmore Speaks Out after Her Death

Michelle Trachtenberg | Source: Getty Images
Michelle Trachtenberg | Source: Getty Images

Michelle Trachtenberg’s Ex Shawn Ashmore Speaks Out after Her Death

After news broke about Michelle Trachtenberg’s death, many A-listers, including her ex-boyfriend, posted heartfelt tributes on social media.

Yesterday, on February 26, 2025, Hollywood star Shawn Ashmore took to Instagram to dedicate a tribute post to the late and great Michelle Trachtenberg, who just passed away. The two had once dated.

Shawn Ashmore and Michelle Trachtenberg at the Toronto Film Festival in 2004. | Source: Getty Images

Shawn Ashmore and Michelle Trachtenberg at the Toronto Film Festival in 2004. | Source: Getty Images

In his post, Ashmore reflected on their years together, sharing his grief and condolences with her loved ones. “Incredibly sad to hear about Michelle’s passing,” Ashmore 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 🙂 My condolences to her mother, Lana, and sister, Irene! This is an incredible loss!” he concluded.

Michelle Trachtenberg and Shawn Ashmore at the 16th Annual Carousel Of Hope Gala in Beverly Hills, California in 2004. | Source: Getty Images

Michelle Trachtenberg and Shawn Ashmore at the 16th Annual Carousel Of Hope Gala in Beverly Hills, California in 2004. | Source: Getty Images

Along with his heartfelt message, Ashmore posted a nostalgic throwback photo of himself and Michelle Trachtenberg from their younger years. The image captures the two at a red carpet event, with the “Gossip Girl” star looking radiant in a white dress accessorized with layered necklaces.

Meanwhile, Ashmore sported a relaxed yet stylish black blazer over a gray shirt. The duo exuded warmth and familiarity, and their close stance in the image reflects a bond that clearly meant a lot to him.

The “Cadet Kelly” actor is not the only person who has honored Trachtenberg’s life with a dedication post, as many other stars have spoken out about her death.

The cast of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is remembering Trachtenberg, who was a part of the show’s cast. They have honored her talent, humor, and presence on set, sharing heartfelt messages on social media, which reflect on their time together and the deep bond they formed during the show.

Tom Lenk, Emma Caulfield, Alexis Denisof, Alyson Hannigan, Anthony Stewart Head, Joss Whedon, Michelle Trachtenberg, and James Marsters attend the "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" wrap party on April 18, 2003. | Source: Getty Images

Tom Lenk, Emma Caulfield, Alexis Denisof, Alyson Hannigan, Anthony Stewart Head, Joss Whedon, Michelle Trachtenberg, and James Marsters attend the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” wrap party on April 18, 2003. | Source: Getty Images

James Marsters, who played Spike in the series, expressed his grief on Instagram over Trachtenberg’s passing. He described her as a “beautiful soul,” “fiercely intelligent” and “howlingly funny.” He added, “She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her.”

James Marsters, Michelle Trachtenberg, and executive producer Marti Noxon attend UPN's TCA party at Twin Palms in Los Angeles, California on January 14, 2002. | Source: Getty Images

James Marsters, Michelle Trachtenberg, and executive producer Marti Noxon attend UPN’s TCA party at Twin Palms in Los Angeles, California on January 14, 2002. | Source: Getty Images

Marsters also expressed his sympathy for Trachtenberg’s family, calling them “good people” facing an unimaginable loss. He urged others to respect their privacy during this difficult time and ended his tribute with a somber farewell, “Godspeed, Michelle. You are missed.”

Alyson Hannigan, known for her role as Willow Rosenberg in the classic TV series, reflected on Trachtenberg’s presence on the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” set. Sharing her thoughts on Instagram, she wrote, “She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends.”

David Boreanaz, who portrayed Angel in the TV show, shared a brief but heartfelt message on his Instagram Story, calling the news “very sad” and “horrible.”

David Boreanaz's heartfelt tribute to Michelle Trachtenberg following her passing at 39, posted on February 26, 2025. | Source: Instagram/imdboreanaz

David Boreanaz’s heartfelt tribute to Michelle Trachtenberg following her passing at 39, posted on February 26, 2025. | Source: Instagram/imdboreanaz

Emma Caulfield, who played Anya Jenkins in the iconic series, described Trachtenberg as a”bright light” and the “little sister” of their “Buffy” family in an emotional Instagram Story. “Rest in peace, lovely Mish Mish. You were loved,” she wrote.

Emma Caulfield shares a touching message to Michelle Trachtenberg following her death, posted on February 26, 2025. | Source :Instagram/emmacaulfieldofficial

Emma Caulfield shares a touching message to Michelle Trachtenberg following her death, posted on February 26, 2025. | Source :Instagram/emmacaulfieldofficial

In a follow-up post, Caulfield simply added, “Sleep well, Michelle.” The message included a photo of her with Trachtenberg and two other women, all elegantly dressed and smiling.

As tributes continue to pour in, new details have emerged about Trachtenberg’s passing, which happened on Wednesday, February 26. Her longtime boyfriend, talent agent Jay Cohen, was seen at her family’s home in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, as reported by the Daily Mail.

Cohen, visibly emotional, answered the door and told the publication that the family would “not be commenting on the tragedy.” His presence suggests that he and Trachtenberg were still together at the time of her death, as they were first linked in 2020.

Just days before her passing, Trachtenberg shared her final Instagram post on February 18. Alongside a throwback photo in a green dress, she captioned, “I wanted to look like naughty #tinkerbell 💚 #throwback ⚡️.” The post has since been filled with messages from fans mourning her loss.

Trachtenberg was just 39 years old at the time of her passing. According to the police, the late talented actress was found unresponsive by her mother around 8 a.m. yesterday at One Columbus Place, a luxury high-rise near Central Park in New York City.

Michelle Trachtenberg and her mother, Lana, during the "Get With It" Red Carpet event in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Michelle Trachtenberg and her mother, Lana, during the “Get With It” Red Carpet event in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

The NYPD responded to a 911 call reporting an unconscious female at the residence. In a statement to People, officials said, “Upon arrival, officers observed a 39-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive. EMS responded to the location and pronounced the victim deceased. Criminality is not suspected.”

The cause of death has not been officially confirmed, but sources also indicated that the actress had recently undergone a liver transplant. The investigation remains ongoing.

Trachtenberg, an award-winning actress with over three decades in the entertainment industry, was best known for her roles as Georgina Sparks in “Gossip Girl” and Dawn Summers in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”

However, her career began much earlier. She made her television debut at the age of nine on Nickelodeon’s “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” and later gained fame starring in the 1996 film “Harriet the Spy.”

Her transition to adult roles included notable performances in films such as “EuroTrip,” “17 Again,” and “Ice Princess.” She reprised her role as Georgina Sparks in the 2023 reboot of “Gossip Girl” on Max, which became her final credited acting role.

In the past few years, fans had expressed concern over her appearance in Instagram posts where she appeared noticeably thinner.

Some speculated about her health, prompting the actress to respond in January 2024. “I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery,” she wrote.

The late actress then affirmed her positive state of health and well-being, concluding with a critical remark directed at those who made the negative comments.

Aside from her thinner appearance, Trachtenberg also made headlines for a professional controversy. In 2021, she made allegations against “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” creator Joss Whedon, claiming he had mistreated her on set and that there was a “rule” prohibiting him from being alone in a room with her. Whedon later denied the accusations.

Born in New York City on October 11, 1985, Trachtenberg grew up in a close-knit family and was often seen at public events with her mother, Lana Trachtenberg. Her work in television and film left a lasting impact, making her a beloved figure among fans of multiple generations.

Michelle Trachtenberg and her mother, Lana, during WB Network All Star Party at Il Fornaio Restaurant in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images

Michelle Trachtenberg and her mother, Lana, during WB Network All Star Party at Il Fornaio Restaurant in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images

Her passing marks a significant loss in the entertainment industry, where she was known for her versatility, charm, and dedication to her craft. Our thoughts go out to her family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. RIP, Trachtenberg.

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