Michelle Trachtenberg's Buffy Co-Stars Mourn Their Beloved Dawn...

Michelle Trachtenberg gone. Dead at just 39 years old. God. We’re just still having such a hard time wrapping our heads around this.

Fans have proven today that the Gossip Girl star was beloved for a great many varied roles… but for many she will always be Buffy’s surprise sister Dawn on the iconic Buffy The Vampire Slayer. She was like a little sister to legions of fans — and also to her co-stars, several of whom are mourning publicly.

Related: Michelle’s Childhood Co-Star Reveals They Dated As Kids In Poignant Tribute

Alyson Hannigan, who played Willow during the show’s entire run, wrote in a an Instagram post, alongside photos of the two together through the years:

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing. She brought a loving energy to the set of Buffy. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family and friends.”

You can see the full post HERE.

Emma Caulfield, who played demon-turned-lovable-teen Anya, also shared a pic of with Michelle on her IG Stories, captioning it sweetly:

“I’m so sorry your bright light died so young. Our Buffy family lost a little sister today… Rest in peace lovely Mish Mish. You were loved.”

James Marsters shared more scenes than almost anyone with Michelle, as Dawn and vampire Spike developed a strange and cute bond. He shared a beautiful statement to People, writing:

“My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her. My heart goes out to her family, who are good people and are suffering the greatest loss anyone could bear. I hope everyone can give them space to heal in this most difficult time. Godspeed Michelle. You are missed.”

David Boreanaz didn’t spend much time with Michelle on the show. His character Angel had already left for an eponymous spinoff by the time Dawn appeared. But it didn’t stop him from saying a few words. Reposting Deadline‘s RIP pic to his IG Stories, he added:

“So very sad …horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family.”

Buffy herself, Sarah Michelle Gellar, has not commented publicly as of this writing. But we know how close the TV sisters were, so we can’t say we’re surprised it’s taking a long time for her to get her thoughts together. And this isn’t something anyone could have prepared for.

[Image via 20th Century Television/YouTube.]