Michelle Trachtenberg Planned SXSW Appearance Before Untimely Death

Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in 'Gossip Girl' and 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' passed away at 39 in her Manhattan apartment. Trachtenberg was scheduled to attend a benefit screening of her final film, 'Spyral,' at SXSW in Austin, Texas, either in person or virtually, depending on her health. The screening will support mental health charities, a cause close to Trachtenberg, as she was deeply moved by the film's subject matter, which includes excerpts from Michelle Cody White's diaries, a figure who suffered from bipolar disorder. Producer Jennifer Hutchins expressed her grief, describing Trachtenberg as a sweet and easy-to-talk-to person, and noted her dedication to mental health advocacy. Tributes from friends and former colleagues, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, highlighted Trachtenberg's impact and legacy. While her cause of death remains undetermined, her family has requested privacy during this time.