Michelle Trachtenberg Died From Complications of Diabetes, Medical Examiner Confirms
Actor Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, died from complications related to diabetes, according to the New York City Medical Examiner’s Office. She was 39.
Trachtenberg was found dead in February at her New York City apartment. At the time, police said there were no signs of foul play, a position later reinforced by the medical examiner’s findings released on April 16, 2025.
Her sudden passing shocked fans and colleagues alike, as many were unaware that the actor had been dealing with serious health challenges. A source previously told NBC New York that Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant, though the reason for the procedure was not publicly disclosed.
Medical experts note that diabetes can significantly increase the risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition caused by excess fat buildup in the liver. According to the Mayo Clinic, the disease can progress to severe liver scarring, known as cirrhosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also explains that Type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease share overlapping risk factors, including high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol levels, with each condition increasing the risk of the other.
Trachtenberg rose to fame in the early 2000s portraying Dawn Summers, the younger sister of Sarah Michelle Gellar’s titular character on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She appeared in more than 60 episodes of the cult-favorite series between 2000 and 2003. Following the news of her death, 20th Century Fox Television praised her impact, calling her portrayal of Dawn “unforgettable” and noting that she touched an entire generation of television viewers.
She later gained renewed popularity as Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl, appearing in 28 episodes from 2008 to 2012. Her character became one of the show’s most memorable and controversial figures.
Sarah Michelle Gellar paid tribute to Trachtenberg in an emotional Instagram post, referencing lines from the Buffy season five finale. “Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you,” Gellar wrote. “The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you.”
Trachtenberg’s death marks a profound loss for fans and the entertainment industry, leaving behind a legacy of performances that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.