American actress Michelle Trachtenberg dead at 39

American actress Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has passed away at the age of 39.

Her family's representatives issued a statement confirming her death, saying: "It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss."

Police in Manhattan found Trachtenberg at her home unresponsive and pronounced her dead at the scene on Wednesday morning. The New York Police Department said: "There is no suspicion of foul play. The medical examiner will determine the cause of death, and the investigation is ongoing."

A professional actor from a young age in such roles as Harriet the Spy, Trachtenberg was remembered by her co-stars on social media, and also praised as an intelligent person with a deep passion for her work.