The New York City Medical Examiner’s Office has officially determined that actress Michelle Trachtenberg died from complications related to diabetes mellitus. The 39-year-old actress was found unconscious and unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment on February 26, 2025.
Initially, her death had been classified as “undetermined” since her family had objected to an autopsy for religious reasons. However, after reviewing laboratory test results and toxicology findings, the medical examiner amended the cause and manner of death, confirming it was due to natural causes stemming from diabetes complications.
Health Struggles Before Her Death
While many fans were unaware of Trachtenberg’s ongoing health issues, reports have emerged about her medical challenges. According to an insider who spoke with NBC New York, the actress had recently undergone a liver transplant, though the specific timing and reasons for this procedure remain unclear.
The connection between diabetes and liver disease is significant. According to medical information cited in reports, diabetes can increase the risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition where excess fat accumulates in the liver.
This disease can potentially lead to serious liver damage, including cirrhosis. Conversely, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and diabetes share common risk factors such as hypertension and elevated cholesterol levels.
Career and Legacy
Trachtenberg began her acting career at a young age, first appearing in commercials at just 3 years old. By age 8, she was portraying Nona Mecklenberg on Nickelodeon’s “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” from 1994 to 1996. She gained further recognition as the star of “Harriet the Spy” in 1996.
Her most iconic roles came later, when she joined the cast of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” in 2000, playing Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the title character portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar. She appeared in over 60 episodes of the series until 2003.
Trachtenberg later became a fan favourite on “Gossip Girl,” where she played the cunning Georgina Sparks in 28 episodes from 2008 to 2012. She even returned for guest appearances in the 2021 revival of the series.
Her filmography also includes roles in “EuroTrip,” “Six Feet Under,” “Ice Princess,” and “17 Again” with Zac Efron and Leslie Mann.