Tragic death of Michelle Trachtenberg: Boyfriend Jay Cohen shares first words (Photo: Instagram)
Jay Cohen, boyfriend of former Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Michelle Trachtenberg, broke his silence on Wednesday after the actress’s sudden death. Tearful and devastated, the 63-year-old talent agent stood at the door of the Trachtenberg family home in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles. His grief was evident as he spoke briefly to reporters, confirming the family’s wishes to stay silent about the tragic event.
Jay Cohen, a well-known talent agent, had been dating Michelle since 2020. Their relationship was private but significant. Cohen has lived with Michelle and her family in Sherman Oaks, California, since 2021. Official residency records confirm their presence at the home, which spans over 2,600 square feet. Michelle, who was just 39 years old, had been a beloved figure, starring in shows like Buffy and Gossip Girl.
On the morning of February 26, 2025, tragedy struck when Michelle’s mother discovered her lifeless body in her New York apartment. Sources confirm that her mother found her daughter around 8 am, shortly before police arrived. The heartbreaking news left her family and loved ones in shock. While Cohen did not elaborate on the details, he did state that Michelle’s sister and mother were not at the family home in Los Angeles at the time.
Just weeks before her death, Michelle shared a loving Valentine’s Day post on Instagram, dedicating a sweet message to Cohen. “Happy Valentine’s Day to the man who sits still long enough for me to paint his face,” she wrote, along with a playful photo of the couple dressed as Jekyll and Hyde for Halloween. It was clear that Michelle had deep affection for Cohen, making the loss even more poignant.
Cohen, who is a father of two, is also a partner at the prestigious Gersh talent agency. Before making his mark in Hollywood, he worked on Wall Street. Despite his successful career, it was his transition into film production that made him a household name. Cohen entered the movie business “by accident,” he once said, after financing films for others. Some of his notable producer credits include Swimming With Sharks, Two for the Money, and Bride Wars.
While the cause of Michelle’s death is still under investigation, there are reports suggesting she had recently undergone a liver transplant due to health complications related to alcohol. Sources claim that her death could have been the result of complications following the transplant. She had been open about her struggles with alcohol and had worked hard to overcome them, often sharing her health milestones on social media.
In July 2023, Cohen made a heartfelt post about his own health journey, marking the anniversary of his liver transplant. “Life is worth fighting for,” he wrote, urging others to help people and spread love. His post was dedicated to his daughters, Rachel and Lili, who had supported him through his recovery. He expressed gratitude for his kidney donor, Suzi Landolphi, and his new life. It’s clear that Cohen has a strong sense of family and a deep love for Michelle, who supported him during his toughest times.
In March 2024, Michelle took to social media to wish Cohen a happy birthday. The post read: “Happy Birthday to the man who puts up with me @jaymcohen.” This playful yet affectionate message was a testament to the close bond they shared. Cohen had also posted about Michelle on his social media in 2021, sharing how they celebrated life together. “#fireworks are every day with this one !!” he captioned a photo of the couple, a reflection of their joyful relationship.
At 8:01 am on February 26, 2025, New York police received a call about Michelle’s death. Officers arrived at her Manhattan apartment, where they found her unresponsive. EMS confirmed her death at the scene. The police issued a statement, confirming that no criminality is suspected. The medical examiner will determine the official cause of death, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Michelle Trachtenberg’s untimely death has left a hole in the hearts of her family, fans, and friends. Her career, full of promise and success, was cut short, and her loss is being felt across Hollywood. From her role in Buffy to her time on Gossip Girl, Michelle brought joy to countless fans. Her sudden passing is a stark reminder of the fragile nature of life, and her loved ones continue to process this heartbreaking loss.
As the investigation into her death continues, Jay Cohen and Michelle’s family are left to mourn the loss of a beloved actress, daughter, and sister. Despite the overwhelming grief, Cohen’s memories of Michelle, from their sweet moments together to their shared experiences, will remain in his heart forever. Michelle’s life may have been short, but it was filled with love, laughter, and incredible achievements. Fans and friends will remember her fondly, keeping her legacy alive.
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