Michelle Trachtenberg’s cause of death has been officially confirmed.

On Wednesday, April 16, the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner informed PEOPLE that the actress passed away due to complications related to diabetes mellitus. Her death has been classified as natural.

A spokesperson for the Medical Examiner’s Office stated that the updated cause of death was determined after reviewing toxicology results.

Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of conditions that affect how the body processes blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is a key source of energy for the body’s muscles and tissues, and it’s the brain’s primary fuel per the Mayo Clinic.

The underlying cause of diabetes depends on the type. However, all forms of diabetes result in high levels of sugar in the blood, which can lead to serious health complications if not managed properly.

Common symptoms of diabetes include:

• Increased thirst

• Frequent urination

• Unexplained weight loss

• Presence of ketones in the urine (a sign that the body is using muscle and fat for energy due to insufficient insulin)

• Fatigue or weakness

• Irritability or mood changes

• Blurry vision

• Slow-healing wounds

• Frequent infections, such as skin, gum, or vaginal infections

Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age but typically begins in childhood or adolescence. Type 2 diabetes—the most common form—can also occur at any age, though it is more frequently diagnosed in adults over 40. However, cases of type 2 diabetes in children and teens are becoming more common.

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, has passed away at the age of 39, sources told The New York Post. According to reports, Trachtenberg was discovered by her mother around 8 a.m. on Wednesday at One Columbus Place, a luxury high-rise in Manhattan’s Central Park South neighborhood.

The actress had recently undergone a liver transplant and is believed to have died of natural causes, sources said.

The NYPD confirmed that officers responded to a call and found Trachtenberg “unconscious and unresponsive.” EMS personnel later pronounced her dead at the scene.

 

Authorities do not consider her death suspicious, and the city medical examiner will determine the official cause.

In recent months, Trachtenberg had shared a series of concerning photos on Instagram, where the award-winning actress had 800,000 followers. In the images, she appeared noticeably thin and frail, prompting some fans to express concern over her dramatic weight loss or speculate about potential substance use.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Michelle Trachtenberg (@michelletrachtenberg)

Michelle Trachtenberg was an American actress known for her diverse roles in television and film. Born on October 11, 1985, in New York City, she began her career in the entertainment industry at a young age, appearing in commercials before landing her first major role as Nona Mecklenberg on The Adventures of Pete & Pete (1994–1996).

Her breakthrough came in 2000 when she was cast as Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the titular character in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This role introduced her to a wider audience and solidified her as a rising star in Hollywood. She later gained further recognition as Georgina Sparks, the manipulative socialite in Gossip Girl, a role she played from 2008 to 2012.

Beyond television, Trachtenberg starred in several films, including Harriet the Spy (1996), where she played the lead character, EuroTrip (2004), Ice Princess (2005), and Black Christmas (2006). Known for her ability to take on both comedic and dramatic roles, she demonstrated versatility throughout her career.

In addition to acting, Trachtenberg was involved in philanthropic efforts and advocacy work. She supported various charities and was vocal about issues such as anti-bullying campaigns.