Actress Michelle Trachtenberg’s Cause of Death Revealed

The entertainment world was left in shock earlier this year when beloved actress Michelle Trachtenberg was found dead in her New York City apartment. Now, the cause of death has been confirmed: the 39-year-old star passed away due to complications from diabetes, according to the New York City medical examiner’s office.

Trachtenberg, best known for her roles as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl, was discovered “unconscious and unresponsive” in February. Officials ruled her death as natural.

While no autopsy was performed due to objections from her Orthodox Jewish family—who cited religious beliefs—toxicology tests were conducted and confirmed the cause of death. The medical examiner found no signs of foul play and did not overrule the family’s request.

An unnamed source told NBC News that Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant prior to her passing, although further details remain unclear.

Her sudden death stunned fans and colleagues alike. Trachtenberg first rose to fame as a child actor, starring in Nickelodeon’s Harriet the Spy. She continued to build a successful acting career throughout the 2000s, earning multiple award nominations and appearing in films such as EuroTrip, Ice Princess, Killing Kennedy, and Sister Cities.

Tributes poured in from the industry. Gossip Girl co-star Blake Lively shared a heartfelt message, saying:

“She laughed the fullest at someone’s joke… she cared deeply about her work, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself.”