Gossip Girl star Michelle Trachtenberg died from complications of diabetes

Sources close to American actress Michelle Trachtenberg said she received a liver transplant just months before she died. PHOTO: REUTERS

Alexandra E. Petri

UPDATED Apr 17, 2025, 04:37 PM

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NEW YORK – American actress Michelle Trachtenberg, who was found dead in a Manhattan apartment in February, died from complications of diabetes, the New York City medical examiner’s office said on April 16.

The 39-year-old was known for starring in popular television series like Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997 to 2003) and Gossip Girl (2007 to 2012).

The medical examiner’s office initially said the cause and manner of Trachtenberg’s death was “undetermined”. The office amended that conclusion after reviewing toxicology test results, spokesperson Julie Bolcer said on April 16, ruling that she died a natural death from complications of diabetes mellitus.

Officers with the New York Police Department found Trachtenberg unconscious and unresponsive in the apartment after responding to a 911 call just after 8am on Feb 26. She was pronounced dead by emergency medical workers, who had also responded, the authorities said at the time.