New York City, USA — The entertainment world is mourning the tragic loss of Michelle Trachtenberg, a beloved actor known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gossip Girl, and Harriet the Spy. The New York City Medical Examiner has now officially confirmed that her cause of death was due to complications from diabetes.
Medical Examiner Releases Cause of Death
The NYC Medical Examiner’s Office announced on Wednesday that after reviewing detailed laboratory test results, they amended the official cause and manner of death for Trachtenberg.
Age at time of death: 39
Cause of death: Complications from diabetes
Manner of death: Natural
Date of death: 26 February 2025
Place: Her luxury apartment in Manhattan, New York
No Foul Play Suspected
At the time of her passing, Michelle was found unconscious and unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment. Authorities initially labelled her cause of death as “undetermined.”
Her family had opposed an autopsy, a request honoured by officials due to the absence of any evidence of criminal activity.
Her spokesperson has not yet responded to media inquiries regarding the updated report.
Remembering Michelle’s Career
Michelle Trachtenberg began her acting journey at a very young age and became a familiar face to audiences worldwide thanks to her remarkable versatility and charm.
Early Roles:
Nona Mecklenberg in The Adventures of Pete & Pete (Nickelodeon, 1994–1996)
Harriet in Harriet the Spy (1996)
Co-starred in Inspector Gadget (1999) alongside Matthew Broderick
Breakout TV Success:
Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2000–2003) – Younger sister to the title character, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar
Recurring roles in:
Six Feet Under
Weeds
Gossip Girl as Georgina Sparks, a fan-favourite character
Returned for guest appearances in the 2021 Gossip Girl revival
Film Appearances:
EuroTrip (2004) – Teen comedy cult classic
17 Again (2009), sharing the screen with Zac Efron and Leslie Mann
Tributes from Fellow Celebrities
Following news of her death in February, many of Michelle’s co-stars and friends expressed their heartbreak on social media:
Sarah Michelle Gellar, her co-star from Buffy
Taylor Momsen and Blake Lively, stars of Gossip Girl
They remembered her not only as a talented performer but also as a kind and loving person off-camera.
A Sad Loss to the Entertainment Industry
Michelle Trachtenberg’s death has left a deep impact on fans and colleagues alike. Known for her wit, emotional depth, and dynamic screen presence, she carved a place in the hearts of many from a young age. Her work continues to be celebrated and cherished by audiences across generations.
Sources:
Associated Press (AP)
NYC Medical Examiner’s Official Statement