In February, beloved actress Michelle Trachtenberg, who starred in Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, was discovered “unconscious and unresponsive” in her residence in New York City.
The unusual circumstances surrounding the 39-year-old star’s death sparked months of speculation, particularly after authorities failed to conduct a post-mortem examination.
However, a toxicology report’s findings have now clearly shown what actually occurred to Michelle.
“Very, extremely ill”
Due to her iconic appearances as Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and later as the sly Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl, American actress Michelle Trachtenberg became well-known both on and off screen.
Fans worldwide were so shocked to learn of her untimely passing in February.
The 39-year-old was said to have been going through a tough period in the months before her death. Michelle had confided in friends about her difficulties, according to a source who told People that she was “really down emotionally.”
The insider claimed that she seemed “pale, gaunt,” and “very thin,” and that she was “really, really sick and open with those in her circle about how much she was struggling.”
She passed away naturally, according to police sources, and may have had difficulties following a liver transplant, ABC News reported.Michelle had been battling alcohol-related problems, according to TMZ, and People verified that she had just gotten a liver transplant.
Jews who are Orthodox
Michelle Trachtenberg never publicly discussed any health concerns, but in January 2025, she addressed rumors about her health by answering comments on Instagram that questioned her appearance.
The actress responded to allegations on Instagram regarding her notably slender appearance. She assured followers that she was “happy and healthy” and denied having any cosmetic surgery.
According to reports, Michelle Trachtenberg’s Orthodox Jewish family objected to an autopsy for religious reasons. The medical examiner respected the family’s wishes and refrained from performing a post-mortem examination because there was no indication of foul play.
However, we now have an answer regarding Michelle Trachtenberg’s fate after two months.
Reason for death
The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner told People on Wednesday, April 16, that complications from diabetes mellitus were the reason for Michelle Trachtenberg’s unexpected death. Officially, her death was categorized as natural.
According to a representative for the medical examiner’s office, “toxicology testing can be done without autopsy,” and “the amended determination was made following review of toxicology testing results.”
Diabetes mellitus is a dangerous disease that alters how your body uses glucose, or sugar, as your cells’ primary energy source.
Blood sugar can harm key organs including the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves if it remains excessively high for an extended period of time. This harm may eventually result in potentially fatal complications.
Heartfelt homages
Michelle Trachtenberg’s memory is still very much alive despite the passage of time since her untimely and tragic death, particularly among her friends, admirers, and former co-stars who are still grieving her loss.
Following the Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl actress’s death, heartfelt and loving condolences started to flood social media.
Gossip Girl co-star Blake Lively posted a vintage picture of the two on set along with the caption, “This was the first day I met Michelle.” “She was electricity.” The sensation altered as soon as she stepped into a room. She gave everything she did her all.
Playing Buffy to Trachtenberg’s Dawn in the popular supernatural series, Sarah Michelle Gellar posted a heartwarming collection of pictures from their time together along with a quotation taken directly from the show’s poignant Season 5 finale:
“Listen to me, Michelle. Pay attention. I cherish you. Echoing Buffy’s selfless act for Dawn, Gellar added, “I will always love you.” “Living in this world is the hardest thing in the world.” I’ll have courage. I’ll survive for you. Using a key and three sad heart emojis, she concluded her homage with the words, “💔💔💔🗝️.”
“I wish I had been able to assist.”
In an exclusive statement to People, Rosie O’Donnell, who costarred with Trachtenberg in the movie that made Michelle famous at the age of eight, Harriet the Spy, expressed her own feelings:
“I cherished her dearly. The past several years were difficult for her. She remarked, “I wish I could have helped.” “It was heartbreaking to hear what happened.”
Even though Trachtenberg is no longer with us, her influence on those who knew her and grew up observing her cannot be denied.
Additionally, it is hoped that the toxicology report’s conclusions will provide Michelle’s loved ones with a final understanding of what actually happened to her. Michelle, rest in peace!
