Michelle Trachtenberg’s cause of death has been officially confirmed.
The American actress was widely recognized for her roles as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl. She also appeared in popular films such as EuroTrip, Ice Princess, and 17 Again, among others.
In recent years, Trachtenberg had stepped away from the spotlight and Hollywood life.
Her sudden passing earlier this year at the age of 39 left fans stunned and heartbroken.
The actress was discovered unconscious and unresponsive in her New York City apartment in February. Emergency services were called to the scene, but Trachtenberg was pronounced dead upon their arrival.
According to a source who spoke with People magazine, the 39-year-old had been candid with friends about both emotional and physical challenges she’d faced in the year leading up to her death.
“She had been very ill and wasn’t hiding it from those closest to her,” the insider revealed.
They added that in the weeks before her passing, she appeared noticeably pale, frail, and significantly underweight.
Sweet Michelle, what heartbreaking news to wake up to this morning. It feels strange and deeply sad to be writing this, but I want to honor your memory because you mattered to me,” Amanda wrote, sharing a photo of a young Trachtenberg smiling for the camera.
“I’ll forever remember you as the vibrant, spirited young woman I met when I captured this photo of you.”
Days after Trachtenberg’s death, the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said the star’s cause and manner of death would remain undetermined.
The actress’s family, who are Orthodox Jews, had reportedly objected to an autopsy, citing religious objections.
In the Jewish faith, autopsies are generally not performed as bodies are believed to be sacred and should not be tampered with after death.
A spokesperson said in a February statement: “[A]bsent any suspicion of criminality around the circumstances of the death, the medical examiner will honor the objection.”
Yet on April 16, Trachtenberg’s cause of death came to light.
The New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner announced that the 39-year-old passed away due to complications from diabetes mellitus, according to the Los Angeles Times.
As the Mayo Clinic explains, “Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is a vital source of energy for the cells that make up muscles and tissues, and it’s the brain’s primary fuel.”
It remains unknown whether the actress had type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
The medical examiner’s office did not specify which complications led to Trachtenberg’s death but confirmed her manner of death as natural. According to the BBC, toxicology tests were used to determine the cause of death, and a post-mortem examination was not conducted.
