Sarah Michelle Gellar Honors ‘Buffy’ Sister Michelle Trachtenberg

Sarah Michelle Gellar is looking back on the memories she shared with her former Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-star Michelle Trachtenberg, both on and off-screen.

Just a day after Trachtenberg’s passing in New York City, Gellar is reflecting on their time together and the bond they built over the years.

Sarah Michelle Gellar Speaks Up for Late Michelle Trachtenberg

On Thursday, Gellar shared a series of photos on her Instagram, looking back on her years with Trachtenberg. The pictures included moments from Buffy, promo events, and some personal shots, like a sweet one of Trachtenberg smiling at a baby.

Alongside the photos, Gellar shared a heartfelt message: “Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you. The hardest thing in this world is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you.”

Starts Aligned! Here Is How Sarah Michelle Gellar and Michelle Trachtenberg Met

Before Buffy, Trachtenberg and Gellar first met on All My Children, where Gellar played Kendall Hart (1993–1995) and Trachtenberg had a role from 1994 to 1996.

Trachtenberg joined Buffy the Vampire Slayer in season five as Dawn, Buffy’s younger sister, a big surprise since Buffy had always been shown as an only child. Before landing the role, she called herself a huge fan of the show, which was inspired by the 1992 movie about a teen vampire hunter.

In an interview for Entertainment Weekly in 2000 she said: “I’m a walking encyclopedia of ‘Buffy. I watched the show from day 1 because I worked with Sarah on ‘All My Children.’”

The show later revealed a supernatural reason for Dawn’s sudden arrival, and she remained a key character until Buffy ended in 2003.

Keeping in Touch

Trachtenberg appeared to keep in touch with Gellar, who commented on an old throwback photo Trachtenberg posted of them a few months ago.

“Yes I’m taller @sarahmgellar #sisters #throwback” Trachtenberg captioned the post.

Gellar playfully replied: “What like that’s hard?!?”

What Happened to Michelle Trachtenberg?

On Wednesday morning, around 8 a.m., police responded to a 911 call and found a woman unconscious in a Manhattan apartment. She was later identified as Michelle Trachtenberg, according to the NYPD. The NYPD stated that there was no suspicion of foul play.

On Thursday, the NYC Medical Examiner ruled Trachtenberg’s cause of death as “undetermined.” Her family declined an autopsy, and since police didn’t consider her death suspicious, the request was honored.

What Did the Other Co-Stars Have to Say?

After news of her passing, several Buffy co-stars shared their tributes.

James Marsters, who played Spike, called her “a beautiful soul” who was “fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person.”

David Boreanaz, Alyson Hannigan, and Emma Caulfield also expressed their sadness.

“She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends,” Hannigan wrote.

After Buffy, Trachtenberg went on to appear in Gossip Girl, Weeds, and the NBC medical drama Mercy.

You might also want to read: Michelle Trachtenberg, ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘Buffy’ Actress, Dies at 39