Gellar Honors Trachtenberg on Anniversary of Death

Gellar Honors Trachtenberg on Anniversary of Death

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paid a on the first anniversary of her former co-star's tragic death, at age 39, with a touching message.

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star, 48, took to Instagram to reflect on her decades-long bond with Trachtenberg, who died on February 26, 2025.

'I'm not sure how it's been a year,' Gellar began. '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.'

'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,' Gellar continued. 'You may not have been with us long enough, but we will make sure everyone remembers.'

The actress also shared a series of emotional and nostalgic throwback photos, including smiling snapshots of the pair at events and on red carpets over the years. 

In one photo, the two beamed side-by-side as young stars; in another, they posed against a pink backdrop, arms wrapped around each other.

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Sarah Michelle Gellar paid a heartfelt tribute to Michelle Trachtenberg on the first anniversary of her former co-star's death with a touching message; seen in 2003

Gellar and Trachtenberg famously portrayed sisters Buffy Summers and Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which aired from 1997 to 2003. 

Following Trachtenberg's death last year, Gellar paid tribute by quoting a poignant line from the series.

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star, 48, took to Instagram to reflect on her decades-long bond with Trachtenberg, who died on February 26, 2025

'I'm not sure how it's been a year,' Gellar began. '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' (seen in 2021)

Gellar and Trachtenberg famously portrayed sisters Buffy Summers and Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, which aired from 1997 to 2003; seen in 2008

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In the months prior to her passing, Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant.

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 began her career as a child performer and went on to become a household name thanks to roles on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl

At age 10, she starred in Harriet the Spy (seen above)

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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.'

Trachtenberg began her career as a child performer and went on to become a household name thanks to roles on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl. 

On the latter, she portrayed scheming socialite Georgina Sparks opposite Blake Lively's Serena van der Woodsen from 2007 to 2012.

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