Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has had her cause of death officially confirmed, she died from complications related to diabetes mellitus.
The confirmation about Michelle Trachtenberg’s cause of death came from the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner following weeks of speculation after her sudden passing in February.
The 39-year-old actress was found unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment on February 26, 2025. At the time, the exact cause of death was not disclosed, partly due to her family’s religious objections to a traditional autopsy. However, later toxicology and lab reports confirmed her death was natural and directly linked to diabetes-related complications.
Sources close to Trachtenberg had noted that her health had been in decline in the past year. She reportedly underwent a liver transplant in the months leading up to her death and had been experiencing both emotional and physical challenges. Friends described her as having struggled in silence, despite remaining active on social media and working sporadically on screen.
Michelle rose to fame as a child star in Harriet the Spy before taking on the role of Dawn Summers in Buffy, and later, the iconic Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl. Her final acting appearance was in the HBO Max reboot of the series in 2023, where she reprised her fan-favorite character.
After news of her death broke, tributes from across Hollywood poured in. Sarah Michelle Gellar, her Buffy co-star, shared a heartfelt message honoring her “little sister forever,” while Blake Lively remembered her as “sharp, wild, and wonderfully unpredictable.”
Though Michelle had stepped back from the public eye in recent years, she left behind a legacy of memorable performances and a devoted fan base that watched her grow from teen star to dramatic actress.
Her death has sparked fresh conversations about diabetes awareness, especially among younger adults. Many fans and friends have taken to social media to encourage others to prioritize their health and regular checkups.
Michelle is survived by her parents and older sister. Her family has requested privacy and is not expected to hold a public memorial at this time.
She’ll be remembered not just for her on-screen presence, but for her distinct voice, bold characters, and the impact she left on a generation of television fans.