US actress Michelle Trachtenberg has tragically passed away at the age of 39 due to complications resulting from diabetes, as confirmed by the New York City medical examiner's office. The circumstances surrounding her death unfolded when she was discovered "unconscious and unresponsive" in her apartment earlier in February. Although a post-mortem was not conducted, toxicology tests identified diabetes as the cause.
Trachtenberg was a notable figure in television history, widely recognized for her portrayal of Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the titular character in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." She later transitioned to portraying socialite Georgina Sparks in "Gossip Girl." Reports suggest her Orthodox Jewish family had raised objections to an autopsy citing religious beliefs, and since there were no indications of foul play, the medical examiner respected their wishes.
A source disclosed to NBC News that Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant prior to her passing, though details regarding the timing and necessity of the operation remain undisclosed. The news of her untimely demise came as a shock to her devoted fanbase.
Spurring her rise to fame, Trachtenberg’s career launched with several appearances in Nickelodeon productions, including the movie "Harriet the Spy." Her performance in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" earned her nominations for several accolades, such as a Daytime Emmy Award. Her film credits extend to "EuroTrip," "Ice Princess," "Killing Kennedy," and "Sister Cities."
In the wake of her passing, tributes from fellow actors have begun to surface. Blake Lively, her co-star in "Gossip Girl," expressed her admiration, stating that Trachtenberg approached life with immense passion and authenticity. "She laughed the fullest at someone's joke... she cared deeply about her work," Lively wrote in a heartfelt social media post honoring her late friend.
