The late Michelle Trachtenberg was reportedly set to make a public appearance at the upcoming SXSW festival in Austin, before news of her death broke earlier this week.
Tratchenberg, who died of “undetermined” causes at age 39, had a role in the film Spyral. Jennifer Hutchins, a producer on the film, told TMZ on Friday, February 28, that Trachtenberg had planned to attend the movie’s screening in Austin as part of SXSW on March 12.
According to the outlet, Hutchins said the Spyral team was aware of Trachtenberg’s health issues but she was set to attend the screening either in person or via Zoom — depending on whether she was well enough to be able to do so.
The event will reportedly still go ahead, but the Spyral team will pay tribute to Trachtenberg, per TMZ.
Stars React to Michelle Trachtenberg’s Death at Age 39
The Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum’s rep confirmed her death on Wednesday, February 26, shortly after news broke about her passing.
“It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away,” Trachtenberg’s rep told Us Weekly in a statement. “The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time.”
The statement was released shortly after police sources confirmed to Us on Wednesday that Trachtenberg was found unconscious inside her New York City apartment.
Trachtenberg’s death was officially listed as “undetermined” on Thursday, February 27, because her family objected to an autopsy, the city medical examiner’s office told the New York Post.
The actress’ friends and former costars flocked to social media to express their sadness over her death and pay tribute to the star.
“’Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you,’” Sarah Michelle Gellar, 47, wrote of her former Buffy the Vampire Slayer costar via Instagram on Thursday, February 27. She initially quoted a scene between her and Trachtenberg’s characters before including the late actress’ memorable line from the iconic musical episode: “‘The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you.’ 
.’”
‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘Buffy’ Star Michelle Trachtenberg Dead at Age 39
Trachtenberg’s Gossip Girl costars, including Chace Crawford, also shared heartfelt words.
“Michelle was one of a kind,” Crawford, 39, who played Nate Archibald, wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, February 26. “I remember her coming on set for the first time and just absolutely owning it. She was a force of nature and just so so unapologetically funny and magnetic.”
Meanwhile, her Harriet the Spy costar Rosie O’Donnell told Us Weekly in a statement that the news of her death was “heartbreaking.”
O’Donnell, 62, added: “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
