Beloved actress Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, was tragically found “unconscious and unresponsive” in her New York City apartment back in February.
For months, questions swirled around the mysterious circumstances of the 39-year-old star’s death — especially after officials did not perform a post-mortem examination.
But now, the results of a toxicology report have finally revealed what really happened to Michelle.
“Really, really sick”
Michelle Trachtenberg, the American actress who rose to fame as Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and later captivated audiences as the cunning Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl, became a household name thanks to her unforgettable roles.
So when news of her unexpected death broke in February, fans around the world were left stunned.
In the months leading up to her passing, the 39-year-old had reportedly been going through a difficult time. A source told People that Michelle had confided in friends about her struggles, saying she was “really down emotionally.”
“She was really, really sick and open with those in her circle about how much she was struggling,” the insider said, adding that she looked “pale, gaunt,” and “very thin.”
According to ABC News, police sources said she died of natural causes and may have experienced complications after undergoing a liver transplant. TMZ also reported that Michelle had been dealing with alcohol-related issues, and People confirmed that she had recently received a liver transplant.
While Michelle Trachtenberg never openly spoke about any health issues, she addressed speculation about her well-being in January 2025, responding to Instagram commenters who questioned her appearance.
The actress addressed speculation about her noticeably thin appearance, shutting down rumors on Instagram. She denied undergoing any cosmetic procedures and reassured fans that she was “happy and healthy.”
Michelle Trachtenberg’s family, who follow Orthodox Judaism, reportedly opposed an autopsy on religious grounds. Since there was no evidence of foul play, the medical examiner honored the family’s wishes and did not proceed with a post-mortem examination.
But now, two months later, we finally have an answer about what happened to Michelle Trachtenberg.
Cause of death
On Wednesday, April 16, the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirmed to People that Michelle Trachtenberg’s sudden passing was caused by complications related to diabetes mellitus. Her death was officially classified as natural.
A spokesperson for the medical examiner’s office explained, “The amended determination was made following review of toxicology testing results,” adding, “toxicology testing can be done without autopsy.”
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Diabetes mellitus is a serious condition that affects how your body processes sugar (glucose), which is the main source of energy for your cells.
When blood sugar stays too high for too long, it can damage vital organs like the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Over time, this damage can lead to life-threatening complications.
Emotional tributes
Even though some time has passed since Michelle Trachtenberg’s sudden and heartbreaking death, her memory is still very much alive — especially among her fans, friends, and former co-stars who continue to mourn her loss.
After news broke of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl star’s passing, tributes began pouring in across social media, filled with love and heartbreak.
“This was the first day I met Michelle,” Gossip Girl co-star Blake Lively wrote, sharing a throwback photo of the two on set. “She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played Buffy to Trachtenberg’s Dawn in the beloved supernatural series, shared a touching series of photos from their time together and included a quote straight from the show’s emotional Season 5 finale:
“Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you,” Gellar wrote, echoing the moment Buffy sacrifices herself for Dawn. “The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you.” She ended her tribute with three broken heart emojis and a key: “💔💔💔🗝️”
”I wish I could have helped”
Rosie O’Donnell, who acted alongside Trachtenberg in Harriet the Spy — the film that launched Michelle into stardom at just 10 years old — shared her own emotional reflection in an exclusive statement to People:
“I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped,” she said. “Hearing what happened was heartbreaking.”
Trachtenberg may be gone, but the impact she had on those who knew her — and those who grew up watching her — is undeniable.
And hopefully, the answers from the toxicology report can offer Michelle’s loved ones some sense of closure, a final understanding of what truly happened to her. RIP, Michelle!
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