Michelle Trachtenberg, the acclaimed US actress famed for her roles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Gossip Girl," has tragically passed away at the age of 39 due to complications from diabetes, according to the New York City medical examiner's office. The actress was found "unconscious and unresponsive" in her New York City apartment earlier this year in February. Although officials did not carry out a post-mortem examination, toxicology tests were conducted, leading to the conclusion of her cause of death.
Trachtenberg's family, adherents of the Orthodox Jewish faith, reportedly declined an autopsy on religious grounds, and, with no indications of foul play evident, the medical examiner respected this decision. An unnamed source disclosed to NBC News that Michelle had undergone a liver transplant prior to her passing, though specifics surrounding the timing or reasons for the procedure remain unclear.
Fans were left in disbelief at the news of the actress's sudden death. Rising to fame as a child star, Trachtenberg first gained recognition in various Nickelodeon projects, notably the film "Harriet the Spy." She later garnered critical acclaim in the early 2000s with performances that earned her a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Dawn Summers on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
Her filmography includes several notable projects such as "EuroTrip," "Ice Princess," "Killing Kennedy," and "Sister Cities." Following her passing, many co-stars and fellow actors took to social media to express their condolences and honor her rich legacy. Blake Lively, who starred alongside her in "Gossip Girl," reminisced about Trachtenberg's passionate nature in her work and her deep loyalty to friends, describing her as "big and bold and distinctly herself."
Trachtenberg's family, adherents of the Orthodox Jewish faith, reportedly declined an autopsy on religious grounds, and, with no indications of foul play evident, the medical examiner respected this decision. An unnamed source disclosed to NBC News that Michelle had undergone a liver transplant prior to her passing, though specifics surrounding the timing or reasons for the procedure remain unclear.
Fans were left in disbelief at the news of the actress's sudden death. Rising to fame as a child star, Trachtenberg first gained recognition in various Nickelodeon projects, notably the film "Harriet the Spy." She later garnered critical acclaim in the early 2000s with performances that earned her a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for her portrayal of Dawn Summers on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
Her filmography includes several notable projects such as "EuroTrip," "Ice Princess," "Killing Kennedy," and "Sister Cities." Following her passing, many co-stars and fellow actors took to social media to express their condolences and honor her rich legacy. Blake Lively, who starred alongside her in "Gossip Girl," reminisced about Trachtenberg's passionate nature in her work and her deep loyalty to friends, describing her as "big and bold and distinctly herself."
