More than a month after the tragic passing of actress Michelle Trachtenberg, the official cause of her death has now been made public.
The 38-year-old star, best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gossip Girl, and EuroTrip, was found unresponsive in her New York City apartment on the morning of February 26. Her sudden death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with fans and fellow stars expressing their sorrow and disbelief.
At the time, initial reports stated that her family had objected to an autopsy. Her official death certificate listed both the cause and manner of death as “undetermined.” However, a deeper analysis of lab results conducted by the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner has now clarified what led to her passing.
According to Deadline, the Medical Examiner determined that Michelle died “naturally as a result of complications from diabetes mellitus.” It’s a heartbreaking update, but one that may offer some answers for her grieving family and fans.
No foul play was suspected in her death, and the circumstances surrounding her passing were believed to be entirely natural. There were also reports that she had undergone a liver transplant prior to her death, although no official details were released by her family about her health leading up to that point.
The news marks a somber chapter in the life of someone who grew up in the public eye. Michelle’s breakout role as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer cemented her as a teen star, and she went on to appear in a range of popular shows and films over the years. Despite taking a step back from acting in recent years, she remained beloved in Hollywood circles and continued to engage with fans online.
Friends, fans, and colleagues have continued to pay tribute to Michelle, remembering her not just for her talent but also for her humor, wit, and kindness behind the scenes. In the wake of her death, many described her as someone who brought a spark to every role and left a lasting impact on everyone she worked with.
Michelle’s family has not released a public statement following the confirmation of the cause of death, but fans have been leaving tributes and sharing memories of her on social media.
Our hearts remain with Michelle Trachtenberg’s loved ones as they continue to process their loss. RIP, Michelle—you’ll always be remembered.
