Michelle Trachtenberg's 'Gossip Girl' co-stars Ed Westwick and Chace Crawford express grief over her death

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Michelle Trachtenberg, the beloved actress known for her roles in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Gossip Girl'. She was found unresponsive at her New York City home and later pronounced dead at the age of 39.

After the news of her death spread, her former co-stars took to social media to share heartfelt tributes. 'Gossip Girl' stars Ed Westwick, Chace Crawford, Taylor Momsen, Kevin Zegers, the show creator Josh Schwartz, and writer Joshua Safran have honored the late actress.

Throughout her career, Trachtenberg captivated audiences with memorable roles in shows like 'The Adventures of Pete and Pete' and 'Harriet the Spy' as well as films like 'Ice Princess' and 'EuroTrip'.

Ed Westwick expresses sadness over 'Gossip Girl' co-star Michelle Trachtenberg's death

In the wake of Michelle Trachtenberg's death, Ed Westwick, 37, shared a heartfelt tribute to the actress on Instagram. Expressing his sorrow, the 'Gossip Girl' star wrote, "So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg sending prayers," along with a prayer emoji and a white heart. 

The tribute was accompanied by a photo of Trachtenberg as Georgina Sparks in the popular TV series.

Westwick also spoke to PEOPLE, remembering his late co-star, "It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Michelle but I remember a talented, sharp, funny and warm soul. Thinking of her and the family. So sad.”

Chace Crawford speaks about 'terrible loss' after Michelle Trachtenberg's death

Chace Crawford, who played Nate Archibald on 'Gossip Girl', also paid tribute to his late co-star on Instagram. 

The 39-year-old actor shared, "Michelle was one of a kind. 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.. remembering those years with a big smile. Just a terrible loss. Love you ❤️" 

His tribute included three candid photos with Trachtenberg, including two close-up selfies and a behind-the-scenes shot, in which Crawford sported a fake baby bump.

'Gossip Girl's co-creator and writer pen emotional tributes

The co-creators and writers of 'Gossip Girl' have also paid tribute to Michelle Trachtenberg online. Co-creator Josh Schwartz shared a heartfelt message on his Instagram Story, writing, “RIP Michelle. Thank you for Georgina. You will be missed but not forgotten. Well said. Love these photos. 💙.”

Writer Joshua Safran also penned an emotional tribute on X, expressing, “It was an honor and joy to write for Michelle for so many years. Writers don't write specific characters on shows, even though many people believe they do. (How many times have I been asked "who wrote Blair?" The answer is: everyone!) However."

In a follow-up post, Safran shared more about his experience while working with Trachtenberg, saying, "Georgina unlocked something in me in which writing her was the easiest thing I'd done. It was partially the character: devious, delicious, direct -- the most fun to write. But it was also Michelle. She had such a clear voice as an actor. You heard her as you typed.” 

He continued, “You knew she'd make each line rougher, more real, much funnier -- and that made the writing better. She was an inspiration and an icon. There's many reasons GG1 caught fire when we came back from the strike, but one of the biggest was the intro of her arc. The injection of *her.*.”

Safran’s final post read, "Long live Georgina Sparks, and the brilliant woman who gave her the fire. You will be forever missed. xoxo."

Kevin Zegers says Michelle Trachtenberg was 'tough and a force'

On February 26, Kevin Zegers shared his sadness with his 220K followers, reflecting on the tough loss of Michelle Trachtenberg. Along with a photo taken with Michelle, he wrote, "What a loss. Michelle was tough and a force. Just a kid, so sad."

Taylor Momsen expresses 'shock' over Michelle Trachtenberg's death

Actress-turned-rocker Taylor Momsen took to social media to express her "shock" over Michelle Trachtenberg's death

She began by sharing, “In shock…When I met this girl 17 years ago I knew we’d be friends..she was smart and sassy, bold and sensitive, funny as fuck and filled with fire. She was simply awesome. I’ll miss our late night calls that no one should ever hear but us. She was always in my corner and there to support me whether I was right or wrong."

“I will miss you everyday my love..I think we truly understood each other and I am so grateful to have had a friend like you in my life for so long..You were a true friend to me which is a rarity in this world and I can’t believe I won’t hear your voice again..I hope you’re f**king up heaven for both of us,” she explained.

She concluded, “I love you so much Michelle, my heart is on the floor. I’m still in shock but I needed to honor her, she deserves more than this. I grieve with all her fans around the world, and my heart is with her family and loved ones. I have so much to say, but she’s the only one I’d want to say it to, my love to you all xxt.”