Uncovered: Demise of "Gossip Girl" actor Trachtenberg (aged 39)
Michelle Trachtenberg, the beloved actress known for her roles in shows like Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, passed away on February 26, 2025. She was found unconscious in her New York apartment by her mother [1][4][5].
The cause of death was initially uncertain due to her family's decision to decline an autopsy for religious reasons. However, the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner has now confirmed that Trachtenberg died from complications of diabetes mellitus [1][4][5]. The manner of death was ruled natural.
Despite her death, the exact type of diabetes (type 1 or type 2) that Trachtenberg had remains unclear from the available information [1][4][5]. The cause of death is described as diabetes mellitus complications without distinction between type 1 or type 2 in the official statements and media coverage.
Trachtenberg had been private about her health, and she had not spoken publicly about any health issues during her lifetime. In January 2024, she responded to negative comments about her changed appearance and significant weight loss on social media but did not provide any background information [2].
In a tragic twist, it was later revealed that Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant before her death [3]. The cause of fatty liver in diabetes patients is often not disclosed for individual cases [6]. It remains unclear whether Trachtenberg developed fatty liver before her death.
The official results of the autopsy on Trachtenberg were recently released, providing clarity regarding the circumstances of her death [1][4][5]. The investigation into her death has since been closed with this finding.
The mourning was widespread, not only among fans but also in the film and television industry, following the news of Trachtenberg's passing. She gained international fame as a teenager for her role as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and later appeared in Gossip Girl [2].
References:
- NY Daily News
- The Hollywood Reporter
- People
- CNN
- BBC News
- Mayo Clinic
- Michelle Trachtenberg's cause of death was confirmed to be complications from diabetes mellitus, but the exact type of diabetes remains unclear.
- Trachtenberg, known for her roles in Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, had previously been private about her health issues.
- The official autopsy results revealed that Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant before her death, but the cause of her fatty liver is not disclosed for individual cases.
- In addition to her acting career, Trachtenberg's passion extended to health and wellness, with a focus on fitness, exercise, mental health, and nutrition.
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