Michelle Trachtenberg's cause of death revealed

By: Shawn
Michelle Trachtenberg, the actress best known for her role in Gossip Girl, passed away from natural causes, with police sources indicating that complications following a liver transplant may have contributed to her death, ABC News reported.

The 39-year-old star was discovered unresponsive by her mother in her New York City apartment near Columbus Circle on Wednesday morning, just after 8 a.m. local time.

'Michelle Trachtenberg.'
Getty Images for The Art of Ely

Authorities confirmed to DailyMail.com that there is no suspicion of foul play, while TMZ reported that Trachtenberg had struggled with alcohol-related issues in the past. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the precise cause of death, according to the medical examiner's office.

The police issued a statement detailing their response: "On February 26, 2025, at approximately 08:01 a.m., officers responded to a 911 call about an aided individual at 1 Columbus Place in the Midtown North precinct. Upon arrival, they found a 39-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive. EMS pronounced her dead at the scene. There is no indication of criminality, and the Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing."

Liver transplants are often necessary for individuals who have damaged their liver due to alcohol use, hepatitis C, or liver diseases. Those who undergo liver transplants because of alcohol abuse are generally advised to avoid alcohol consumption afterwards.

Trachtenberg, a Brooklyn native, rose to fame for her portrayal of Dawn Summers, Buffy’s younger sister, in the teen supernatural drama Buffy the Vampire Slayer from 2000 to 2003. She appeared in 66 episodes of the beloved series.

She also gained recognition for her role as Georgina Sparks, "The Witch of the Upper East Side," on Gossip Girl, a role she played in 28 episodes from 2008 to 2012. Additionally, she starred in the 1996 film Harriet the Spy at the age of 10, alongside Rosie O'Donnell.

In recent years, Trachtenberg’s health had raised concerns among her fans after she shared several frail-looking social media posts.

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