Michelle Trachtenberg’s family has declined an autopsy as her loved ones continue to grieve her loss.
The 39-year-old star was found “unconscious and unresponsive” in bed at her Manhattan apartment by her mother, Lana, according to law enforcement sources cited by TMZ.
Emergency responders were called to the scene, but Trachtenberg was pronounced dead upon their arrival.
“It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss,” her representative, Gary Mantoosh, said in a statement.
Law enforcement sources say Trachtenberg was last seen alive around 10:00PM on Tuesday.
She had reportedly been out with friends that evening and showed no immediate signs of distress.
While the medical examiner’s office would typically perform an autopsy in cases involving foul play or criminal activity, no such circumstances were suspected, and the family’s wishes to forgo one were honored.
According to The New York Post, the office stated that it was “obligated to honour the family’s request due to the state’s public health law.”
As a result, only an external examination was conducted, which limits the ability to determine an official cause of death. Her cause of death will remain undetermined.
Born on October 11, 1985, in New York City, Trachtenberg began her career in entertainment at just three years old.
She gained early recognition for her role on The Adventures of Pete & Pete before achieving mainstream success as the lead in Harriet the Spy (1996).
She later became a household name as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl.
Her film credits include EuroTrip, Ice Princess, and 17 Again, cementing her status as a key figure in early 2000s pop culture.
Days before her passing, Trachtenberg shared an Instagram post of herself in a green dress, captioning it: “I wanted to look like naughty #Tinkerbell.” The post has since been flooded with tributes.
One fan wrote: “Rest in peace. Thank you for raising us all with your endless iconic roles.”
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Another recalled a chance encounter with the actress nearly two decades ago:
“I met you once at an airport about 18 years ago, coming back from deployment. You sat and talked with me for about 45 minutes when you didn’t have to while we were waiting on our flight to Chicago… Thanks for the conversation and the memory, Michelle. Fair winds and following seas wherever your eternity lies.”
Trachtenberg’s death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with co-stars and colleagues sharing their grief.
Rosie O’Donnell, who starred alongside her in Harriet the Spy, said: “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
Ed Westwick (Gossip Girl) wrote: “So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg. Sending prayers.”
David Boreanaz (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) called the news “horrible,” while Alyson Hannigan (Buffy) reflected: “She brought a loving energy to the set.”
Emma Caulfield (Buffy) added: “Our Buffy family lost a little sister today … Rest in peace lovely Mish Mish.”
James Marsters, known for playing Spike in Buffy, praised Trachtenberg’s intelligence and humor, stating: “We have lost a beautiful soul. She was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person. She died much too young.”
Kenan Thompson, who worked with her on Nickelodeon, wrote: “Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! Check on your people!!!”
Her former boyfriend, X-Men actor Shawn Ashmore, also shared a heartfelt tribute: “She was an incredible person and I will always remember the years we spent together fondly.”
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