Nearly two months after Michelle Trachtenberg was found unresponsive in her New York City apartment, the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed the cause of her death. On Wednesday, April 16, the office announced that the actress died due to complications from diabetes mellitus. The manner of death has been ruled as natural.
The confirmation comes after toxicology testing was conducted, and a spokesperson clarified that “the amended determination was made following review of toxicology testing results.” Importantly, the testing was carried out without an autopsy, as her family declined one due to religious reasons.
Tragic Discovery and Timeline
Trachtenberg was discovered unconscious and unresponsive on February 26 in her NYC apartment following a 911 call. Authorities who arrived on the scene pronounced her dead at just 39 years old. At the time, the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office had stated that the absence of an autopsy would leave the cause of death undetermined. The final ruling came after toxicology results were reviewed in detail. Just days before her death, Trachtenberg had been seen dining with friends at the Italian restaurant Sartiano’s, showing no public signs of the health issues that would soon claim her life.
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Health Struggles in Final Year
Though the official cause of death was related to diabetes, sources close to the actress revealed that she had been struggling with significant health challenges leading up to her passing. PEOPLE reported that Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have experienced complications from it. An insider shared that the actress had been “very, very sick” and emotionally low in the past year.
“She was pale, gaunt, very thin, and dealing with health issues,” said the source, adding that Trachtenberg had been open with those in her circle about how much she was struggling. Earlier in January 2024, she addressed concerns about her appearance after critics made comments on an Instagram selfie. “Fun fact. This is my face. Not malnutrition no problems. Why do you have to hate? Get a calendar,” she responded publicly, defending herself against speculation.
Career Highlights and Legacy
Michelle Trachtenberg was best known for her role as Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl and as Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She began her acting career at a young age with early appearances on All My Children and Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete. Her versatility and magnetic screen presence earned her a devoted fanbase across different generations.
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Following her passing, tributes poured in from fans and fellow actors. Blake Lively, her Gossip Girl co-star, remembered her as “electric” and wrote, “She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed.” Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played her sister in Buffy, quoted a poignant line from the show’s finale and wrote, “I will live… for you,” adding heartfelt emojis. Rosie O’Donnell, who starred with Trachtenberg in Harriet the Spy, shared, “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.” Michelle Trachtenberg’s death marks the loss of a beloved talent whose life was cut tragically short, leaving behind a legacy of powerful performances and deep emotional resonance with her audiences.