Michelle Trachtenberg, the well-known actress from Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, was found “unconscious and unresponsive” in her New York City home in February.
Months of conjecture were generated by the 39-year-old star’s peculiar circumstances, especially after officials neglected to do a post-mortem examination.
But the results of a toxicological report have now made it very evident to Michelle what truly happened.
“Very, very sick”
American actress Michelle Trachtenberg rose to fame both on and off screen because to her memorable roles as Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and then as the cunning Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl.
Her sudden death in February startled fans all across the world.
According to reports, the 39-year-old was going through a difficult time in the months leading up to her passing. A source told People that Michelle was “really down emotionally” and had confided in friends about her struggles.
She was “pale, gaunt,” and “very thin,” according to the insider, who also implied that she was “really, really sick and open with those in her circle about how much she was struggling.”
Police sources said she died spontaneously, and ABC News said she might have struggled after receiving a liver transplant.According to TMZ, Michelle had been struggling with alcohol-related issues, and People confirmed that she had recently received a liver transplant.
Orthodox Jews
Michelle Trachtenberg never talked about any health issues in public, but in January 2025, she responded to comments on Instagram that questioned her appearance, which helped to dispel speculations about her health.
The actress addressed accusations about her unusually thin appearance on Instagram. She denied having any cosmetic surgery and reassured her fans that she was “happy and healthy.”
For religious grounds, Michelle Trachtenberg’s Orthodox Jewish family reportedly refused to an autopsy. Since there was no evidence of foul play, the medical examiner honored the family’s wishes and chose not to conduct a post-mortem examination.
But after two months, we now know what happened to Michelle Trachtenberg.
Cause of death
On Wednesday, April 16, the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner informed People that Michelle Trachtenberg’s untimely death was caused by complications from diabetes mellitus. Her death was officially classified as natural.
A spokesman for the medical examiner’s office stated that “the amended determination was made following review of toxicology testing results” and that “toxicology testing can be done without autopsy.”
Diabetes mellitus is a serious condition that changes how your body uses sugar, or glucose, as the main energy source for your cells.
If blood sugar is too high for a long time, it can damage vital organs like the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Complications from this injury could possibly be lethal.
Sincere tributes
Even though time has passed since Michelle Trachtenberg’s unfortunate and premature death, her memory is still very much alive, especially among her friends, admirers, and former co-stars who are still in mourning.
After the actress from Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer passed away, social media was inundated with warm and emotional condolences.
“This was the first day I met Michelle,” wrote Blake Lively, a co-star of Gossip Girl, in a throwback photo of the two on set. “She was electricity.” As soon as she entered a room, the feeling changed. She put her all into all she did.
Sarah Michelle Gellar, who plays Buffy to Trachtenberg’s Dawn in the well-known supernatural series, shared a touching compilation of photos from their time together on social media, along with a quote from the show’s moving Season 5 finale:
“Hear me out, Michelle. Listen carefully. I treasure you. “I will always love you,” Gellar continued, echoing Buffy’s unselfish deed for Dawn. “The hardest thing in the world is to live in this world.” I’ll be brave. I will endure for you. She ended her tribute with the words, “,” using a key and three sorrowful heart emojis.
“I wish I could have helped.”
Rosie O’Donnell, who costarred alongside Trachtenberg in the film that made Michelle famous at the age of eight, Harriet the Spy, shared her own thoughts in an exclusive statement to People:
I loved her very much. For her, the last few years have been challenging. “I wish I could have helped,” she said. “Hearing what happened was heartbreaking.”
Trachtenberg is no longer with us, but her impact on people who knew her and grew up watching her is undeniable.
Furthermore, it is believed that the findings of the toxicology study will give Michelle’s loved ones a definitive picture of what truly transpired with her. Peace be with you, Michelle!
