Medical examiners have confirmed the cause of death behind Gossip Girl star Michelle Trachtenberg, saying she died as a result of complications from diabetes. The 39-year-old actress was found dead in her Manhattan apartment on February 26 after police officers responded to a 911 call. According to the NBC network, she had recently received a liver transplant before her death. Originally, Trachtenberg's family had objected to a post-mortem. However, despite the medical examiner's office honouring this request, they said in a statement on Thursday that they amended the cause following laboratory reports.
Her death had been ruled "undetermined" by police as it was not being treated as suspicious. Over the last few years, Michelle's fans have expressed concern about her health on social media. In 2024, the TV star actually took to social media to explain her gaunt appearance.
In response to a question about her health, Michelle replied: "@cathy_critz explain to me how I look sick. Did you lose a calendar and not realize I'm not 14? I'm 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment. (sic)"
The Harriet the Spy star subsequently then shared a selfie and insisted that she was feeling "happy and healthy".
The Gossip Girl actress captioned the image: "I've received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery. I am happy and healthy. Check yourself haters. (sic)"
New York Police Department officers had found the star's body when responding to a 911 call at 1 Columbus Place in New York City. They added: "Upon arrival, officers observed a 39-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive. EMS responded to the location and pronounced the victim deceased. Criminality is not suspected."
Michelle first found fame as a child, starring in TV commercials and the Nickelodeon series 'The Adventures of Pete and Pete'.
In 2000, the actress joined the cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Dawn Summers, and between 2008 and 2012, she played Georgina Sparks on the hit teen drama series Gossip Girl.
She recently returned to play her iconic role as Georgina in the Gossip Girl reboot in 2021, but the series was cancelled after two seasons.
