Michelle Trachtenberg’s Cause of Death Revealed as Complications from Diabetes

The cause of death for actress Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in “Gossip Girl” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” has been determined to be complications from diabetes mellitus, the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirmed on Wednesday, as per Fox News.

Following a review of laboratory test results, the medical examiner amended the cause of death, which had previously been listed as “undetermined.” The manner of death was ruled natural.

Trachtenberg, 39, was found unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment on February 26th. Her family had initially declined an autopsy, and the medical examiner’s office agreed, as foul play was not suspected.

Trachtenberg began her acting career on Nickelodeon’s “The Adventures of Pete and Pete” and made her film debut in 1996 as the title character in “Harriet the Spy.” She gained wider recognition for her role as Dawn Summers on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” joining the series in its fifth season and appearing for three years.

Her role on “Buffy” reunited her with Sarah Michelle Gellar, whom she had first met while working on “All My Children” in 1994. The two remained close friends prior to Trachtenberg joining the popular series.

Trachtenberg further cemented her fame as Georgina Sparks on the CW’s “Gossip Girl,” starring alongside Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, Ed Westwick, Chace Crawford, and Penn Badgley in the hit drama. Her other notable roles included appearances in “The Ice Princess” and “EuroTrip.”