Shawn Ashmore is paying heartfelt tribute to his former partner, Michelle Trachtenberg, following her untimely demise. The X-Men veteran, who shared a romantic relationship with Michelle from 2004 to 2006, posted a poignant message on Instagram after learning of her passing on February 26th, aged just 39.
"I am devastated by the news of Michelle's passing," penned Shawn, 45, alongside a cherished red carpet snapshot of the duo. "She was an extraordinary individual, and I will forever cherish the memories of our time together. Her loving nature, quirky sense of humor, and unwavering dedication to 'Law & Order: SVU' marathons will never be forgotten."
He extended his condolences to her family, stating, "My deepest sympathies to her mother, Lana, and sister, Irene. This is a loss beyond comprehension."
Michelle and Shawn's romance blossomed in the early 2000s, when her wit and confidence won him over at a 2004 Oscars bash. Recalling the encounter in a 2005 interview with BlackFilm.com, Michelle joked, "I put out an ad: 'Wanted, superhero. I'm a damsel in distress.' No, seriously, we just met at an Oscar party. He was Mr. Grumpy, unhappy to be in public, and I boldly approached him."
The Inspector Gadget star continued, "I was the initiator. Full credit to me!"
However, recent years had been challenging for Michelle. Her Harriet the Spy costar, Rosie O'Donnell, shared in a February 26th statement to E! that "she struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped." Calling her death "heartbreaking," Rosie added, "I loved her deeply."
New York police responded to a 911 call on February 26th at 8 a.m., discovering Michelle unresponsive in her apartment. The actress, who had recently undergone a liver transplant, was pronounced dead at the scene. NYPD officials confirmed to E! News that her death was not suspicious, and the cause will be determined following an autopsy.
Since Michelle's tragic passing, numerous stars have mourned her loss. Kenan Thompson, a fellow Nickelodeon alum, posted a heartfelt tribute alongside a throwback video of them at the 1999 Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Awards. "Our first Nick movie star has left us!" the Saturday Night Live comedian wrote. "She was my friend, and now she rests. Check on your loved ones!"
Meanwhile, Gossip Girl showrunners Josh Schwartz and Stephanie Savage, who worked closely with Michelle during her time on the CW series, reflected on her immense talent that transformed her from a one-season villain to a beloved character spanning six seasons. "We are deeply saddened by Michelle's passing," they stated. "She was hilarious, kind, and incredibly talented. Her portrayal of Georgina Sparks was iconic and beloved by fans. She was a joy to work with and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with her family."
