Actress Michelle Trachtenberg was found dead in her New York City apartment in February, prompting intense public speculation and media coverage. Now, the official cause of death has been released, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding her final days.
Michelle Trachtenberg died of diabetes, claims report
Authorities found Michelle Trachtenberg dead in her New York City apartment on February 26, 2025. On April 16, 2025, the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirmed she died from complications of diabetes mellitus and ruled her death natural.
A spokesperson for the Medical Examiner’s Office stated, “The amended determination was made following review of toxicology testing results” (via PEOPLE). The spokesperson clarified that toxicology testing can be completed without an autopsy. Trachtenberg’s family had objected to an autopsy after her death, leading to an initial classification of “undetermined.”
Law enforcement responded to a 911 call on the morning of February 26 and found Michelle Trachtenberg unconscious and unresponsive. NYPD investigators determined there were no signs of foul play or criminal activity.
Sources told PEOPLE that Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant. Another source said the actress had “told friends she was struggling” in the past year and described her as “pale, gaunt, very thin, and dealing with health issues.”
In January 2024, Trachtenberg addressed public speculation about her appearance after posting a selfie on Instagram. She wrote, “Fun fact. This is my face. Not malnutrition no problems.”
Trachtenberg began acting as a child in The Adventures of Pete & Pete and Harriet the Spy. She later starred as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and as Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl. Her last public appearance was in February 2020 at a pre-Oscars event.
Following her death, former co-stars including Blake Lively, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Rosie O’Donnell shared tributes. Gellar wrote on Instagram, “I love you. I will always love you,” quoting from the Buffy Season 5 finale. Rosie O’Donnell called the news “heartbreaking” in a statement to PEOPLE.
Originally reported by Anubhav Chaudhry on ComingSoon.
