3 days Ago By Frankie Collins
The official cause of death for Michelle Trachtenberg has been confirmed by New York authorities, just over a month after the former child star was found dead in her Manhattan apartment. The actress, who passed away in February at the age of 39, died from "complications of diabetes mellitus", according to the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office. The term refers to the technical name for diabetes, though it does not specify whether Michelle had type 1 or type 2.
The ME classified her death as "natural", effectively closing the investigation into the tragedy. Trachtenberg was discovered unresponsive by her mother in her Columbus Circle apartment after she failed to respond to messages. Emergency services were called, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
While no autopsy was performed due to religious objections from her family, toxicology tests provided additional clarity for officials. The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star had received a liver transplant in the months leading up to her death, though the exact reason for the procedure remains unknown. According to the Health Resources & Services Administration, about 20 per cent of liver transplants in 2023 were carried out on patients suffering from fatty liver disease, which can be linked to diabetes and obesity.
Michelle’s death sent shockwaves through Hollywood , prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from fellow stars. She was remembered by fans and former co-stars including Blake Lively, Alyson Hannigan, and Kenan Thompson, as well as from the network behind one of her most iconic roles. “Michelle touched a generation of television fans throughout her career, including in her unforgettable role as the independent and strong-willed Dawn Summers in ‘Buffy,’” 20th Century Fox Television said in a statement following the news of her passing.
Trachtenberg, a New York native, rose to fame as a child star in the ‘90s with Nickelodeon hits like The Adventures of Pete & Pete and Harriet the Spy. She went on to achieve cult status playing Dawn, the younger sister of Buffy Summers, in Buffy the Vampire Slayer from 2000 to 2003. She later earned a new generation of fans as Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl, a role she played from 2008 to 2012 and which earned her a Teen Choice Award nomination for Choice TV Villain.
The beloved actress was found dead in her apartment in February. Police confirmed at the time that no foul play was suspected. In recent years, some fans of Trachtenberg had remarked on social media that she looked ill and had lost weight.
But more than a year ago, Trachtenberg responded to comments on her Instagram page about her appearance, telling people she was “happy and healthy.”.
