Taylor Momsen Pays Tribute to 'Gossip Girl' Co-Star on Anniversary of Death

Michelle Trachtenberg, who played Georgina Sparks, died at age 39 in 2025 from complications related to diabetes.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Taylor Momsen, Momsen's former co-star on the hit TV show Gossip Girl, has shared an emotional tribute to Trachtenberg on the one-year anniversary of her passing. Trachtenberg, who played the memorable character Georgina Sparks on the show, died in 2025 at the age of 39 due to complications from diabetes.

Why it matters

Trachtenberg was a beloved actress who rose to fame as a child star and became a staple of 2000s pop culture through her roles in shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl. Her death at a relatively young age has deeply impacted her former co-stars and legions of fans who admired her talent and vibrant personality.

The details

On February 26, 2025, police responded to a 911 call and found Trachtenberg unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment. The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later confirmed she died a natural death caused by complications of diabetes mellitus, following toxicology testing. Trachtenberg and Momsen became close friends off-screen during their time working together on Gossip Girl.

  • Trachtenberg died on February 26, 2025, at age 39.
  • February 26, 2026 marks the one-year anniversary of Trachtenberg's passing.

The players

Taylor Momsen

Momsen's former co-star on the hit TV show Gossip Girl, where she portrayed the character of Jenny Humphrey.

Michelle Trachtenberg

An American actress best known for her roles across film and television, including as Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl and Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

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What they’re saying

“It's weird how the body clock remembers. Last night I was sitting in my hotel room alone in São Paulo, I didn't know what the date was (they all blend together on tour) and I was hit with an overwhelming sadness lMichelle…then I wake up and realize it's been a year without her. Life is hard. I wish…I miss…I wish…”

— Taylor Momsen (Threads)

The takeaway

Trachtenberg's passing at a young age has deeply impacted her former co-stars and legions of fans who admired her talent and vibrant personality. Her death serves as a tragic reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have with loved ones.