How did Michelle Trachtenberg die? Actress’s official cause of death revealed

Michelle Trachtenberg’s cause of death has been revealed. The Gossip Girl actress passed away suddenly on February 26 in her New York City apartment, and was discovered unresponsive by her mother, according to ABC News.

At the time, the circumstances behind Trachtenberg’s death were unclear. People Magazine now reports that the 39-year-old passed away due to complications of diabetes mellitus, according to a spokesperson for the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner. Diabetes mellitus is the technical name for diabetes, according to the Cleveland Clinic, which is a condition that impacts a patient’s levels of blood sugar.

While an autopsy usually reveals the cause of death, in this case, the determination was made through toxicology reports. As per People Magazine’s report, the spokesperson for the medical examiner said,

"the amended determination was made following review of toxicology testing results…toxicology testing can be done without autopsy.”

An autopsy wasn’t conducted on Michelle Trachtenberg because her family, who are Orthodox Jewish, declined to have an autopsy performed due to religious reasons, as per BBC. The news outlet reported that the medical examiner honored the family’s wishes because foul play was not suspected.

According to Tablet Magazine, Jewish law dictates that a body should not be disfigured after death, and autopsies are seen as breaching religious law.

Michelle Trachtenberg’s health struggles

Michelle Trachtenberg, who gained popularity as a child actor with 1996’s Harriet the Spy, had undergone a liver transplant, according to ABC News. At the time, the new outlet reported that a source believed Trachtenberg’s death could be related to complications from the transplant.

Trachtenberg herself never publicly revealed that she was dealing with medical issues or that she had undergone a liver transplant. The exact timing of when Trachtenberg received the transplant also remains unknown.

She did address concerns over her appearance on social media. The actress had been receiving comments on social media over her looks. Trachtenberg responded in January 2024 by posting a selfie and writing,

“I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery I am happy and healthy. Check yourself haters.”

The very next day, she posted another image of herself and wrote,

"Fun fact. This is my face. Not malnutrition no problems. Why do you have you hate? Get a calendar”

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While Michelle denied any health issues publicly, People Magazine reported that, as per a source, Trachtenberg was open with her friends about her sickness and her struggles and appeared "pale, gaunt, very thin, and dealing with health issues."

After the news of Trachtenberg’s death broke, it took the Hollywood industry and Michelle Trachtenberg’s fans by surprise. Tributes to the actress poured in from various corners of Hollywood, and those who had worked with Trachtenberg mourned the actress.

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