The cause of Michelle Trachtenberg’s death has been confirmed.
On April 16, 2025, the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner told People that the 39-year-old actress died from complications of diabetes mellitus.
And therefore, her death had been ruled as natural.
Michelle passed away less than two months ago, on February 26.
At the time, ABC News reported that Michelle had recently undergone a liver transplant and may have died from complications related to that.
Tributes poured in for Michelle from family, friends and fans alike when the news of her death broke.
Sex and the City star Kim Cattrall – who starred in Ice Princess with Michelle – took to X and wrote, “This is Heartbreaking. So talented, much too young. RIP Sweet Beauty. Xo.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar, James Marsters and David Boreanaz, who all worked with Michelle on Buffy the Vampire Slayer also paid tribute to her.
“Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you. The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you,” Sarah Michelle wrote on Instagram, adding Michelle’s name to a famous quote from Buffy.
“My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her,” James told People in a statement.
“So very sad… horrible news. R.I.P. and prayers to her and her family,” David wrote on Instagram.
Rosie O’Donnell – who starred in the 1996 film Harriet the Spy with a young Michelle – told US Weekly, “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
Melissa Joan Hart took to Instagram to share a clip of her and Michelle in the 90s sitcom Clarissa Explains It All.
“I’m heartbroken to hear of the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg!! So young, so talented and so sweet,” she captioned it.
Michelle had an illustrious career that began at just three years of age, when she was cast in a commercial.
In 1994, at age ten, she landed a recurring role in The Adventures of Pete & Pete.
And in 2000, Michelle’s major breakthrough came when she was cast as Dawn Summers in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
She went on to star in Gossip Girl, opposite Leighton Meester and Blake Lively, and 17 Again, with Zac Efron and the late Matthew Perry.
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