The former child star, known for roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ice Princess, and Gossip Girl, passed away from natural causes related to diabetes, NYC medical examiner confirms.
New York | April 17, 2025 — Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, beloved for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ice Princess, and Gossip Girl, died due to complications from diabetes mellitus, the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has confirmed. She was 39 years old.
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Her manner of death has been ruled natural.
Trachtenberg was found unresponsive in her New York City apartment on February 26, after reportedly going into cardiac arrest. At the time, the cause of death was initially listed as “undetermined,” as her family had objected to an autopsy.
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🩺 Health Concerns Before Her Death
Sources previously told The Post that the actress had undergone a liver transplant within the past year. Less than a week before her passing, she was seen looking “frail” and struggling physically during an outing with friends at Sartiano’s, an Italian restaurant in NYC.
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In January 2024, a selfie posted to Instagram sparked concern among fans who commented on her visibly gaunt appearance. In response to the speculation, Michelle posted a follow-up image with the caption:
“I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery. I am happy and healthy. Check yourself, haters.”
She also wrote back to a fan questioning her health:
“Explain to me how I look sick… I’m 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment.”
💬 Tributes from Friends
Photographer and close friend Amanda de Cadenet shared in February that Trachtenberg had quietly battled her illness for some time.
“She knew that death was a high possibility,” de Cadenet wrote in a heartfelt post. “I’m only sorry the outcome was not a better one.”
🎥 Remembering Her Iconic Roles
Trachtenberg’s legacy includes a diverse portfolio of work — from playing Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, to her icy charm in Ice Princess, and her cunning as Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl. She had also been a fixture in the fashion and entertainment circuits for much of the 2000s.
Her passing leaves behind a generation of fans who grew up watching her and continue to celebrate her contributions to pop culture.
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