Michelle Trachtenberg died naturally of complications caused by diabetes mellitus, according to the New York City medical examiner’s office.
“Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose),” the Mayo Clinic states. “Glucose is an important source of energy for the cells that make up the muscles and tissues. It’s also the brain’s main source of fuel.”
The Context
The actress—known for TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, as well as films including EuroTrip and Ice Princess—was found dead in her New York City apartment on February 26. At the time, authorities said no foul play was expected. At 39 years old, her sudden death shocked fans.
Michelle Trachtenberg attends The Art of Elysium 2016 HEAVEN Gala presented by Vivienne Westwood & Andreas Kronthaler at 3LABS on January 9, 2016 in Culver City, California. Michelle Trachtenberg attends The Art of Elysium 2016 HEAVEN Gala presented by Vivienne Westwood & Andreas Kronthaler at 3LABS on January 9, 2016 in Culver City, California. John Shearer/Getty Images
What To Know
Trachtenberg rose to fame in the 1996 film Harriet the Spy and worked on various Nickelodeon projects. She was later nominated for several Teen Choice Awards, including TV Villain in 2012 for her role as Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl.
A source told NBC News the Harriet the Spy star received a liver transplant prior to her death but it “failed.” It’s unclear when the transplant took place or why.
A spokesperson for the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner told People on Wednesday: “The amended determination was made following review of toxicology testing results,” noting, “Toxicology testing can be done without autopsy.”
It had previously been reported that Trachtenberg’s family, who are Orthodox Jews, objected to an autopsy due to religious reasons.
What People Are Saying
Following her death, Trachtenberg’s costars took to social media to share tributes.
Gossip Girl cast member Blake Lively posted a lengthy tribute via her Instagram Stories in February: “She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200 percent. She laughed the fullest at someone’s joke, she faced authority head on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work, she was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be sometimes, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself. And she always had yummy caramel smelling lipgloss on because she didn’t just want to sparkle on camera, she liked creating a nice experience for everyone in her orbit, even down to the subtle smell of her lipgloss because she cared about the sweet details. She was a kind person, through and through. Time passes. You take for granted that you get the chance to see an old friend. To paraphrase, the real tragedies in life are the ones that blindside you on an idle Tuesday. Hold those you love and have loved dear. The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle. May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire.”
Gossip Girl‘s Ed Westwick posted on Instagram, per The Guardian: “So sad to hear of the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg. Sending prayers.”
Buffy the Vampire Slayer lead Sarah Michelle Gellar posted several photos with Trachtenberg on Instagram: “Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you. The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you.”
Buffy the Vampire Slayer star James Marsters wrote on Instagram: “My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her. My heart goes out to her family who are good people, and are suffering the greatest loss anyone could bear. I hope everyone can give them space to heal in this most difficult time. Godspeed Michelle. You are missed.”
In March, Mrs. Doubtfire star Mara Wilson penned a sweet letter to her childhood friend in Vulture.
Wilson said she was “nervous to meet” Trachtenberg, who was two years older than her, “but in preteen years, that is an eon.”
“At age 9, I was forever impressed by, and intimidated by, Cool Older Girls. Michelle Trachtenberg seemed to me the epitome of the Cool Older Girl: beautiful, stylish, funny, from New York—so much cooler than my hometown of Burbank, California. I couldn’t imagine she would want to talk to me, let alone be my friend. But as soon as we were introduced, she gave me a huge, warm smile, then looked at my dress and said, ‘Eurokids, right? I love that store,'” Wilson wrote.
The Matilda star added that Trachtenberg was “not only nice” but “remarkably intelligent.”
“She was smart, but she was also self-possessed, and didn’t need to show off,” she said.
What Happens Next
Funeral service details for Trachtenberg have not been made public.
