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.

TRENDING!

Justin Bieber Brings Billie Eilish and SZA Onstage in Star-Studded Coachella 2026 Set

Image
Justin Bieber delivered a memorable headlining performance during the second weekend of the 2026 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, extending into the early hours of Sunday with a series of unexpected guest appearances. ‎ ‎Justin Bieber’s Coachella 2026 headlining set featured surprise appearances by Billie Eilish, SZA, and more, delivering unforgettable live moments. ‎Coachella Youtube Livestream Among those joining him on stage were Grammy-winning artists Billie Eilish and SZA, both of whom drew loud reactions from the crowd. Eilish was brought out early in the set, where Bieber greeted her with an embrace. She was playfully pushed forward, collapsing in laughter as she reacted with a mix of surprise and joy while Bieber serenaded her with his 2009 track, “One Less Lonely Girl.” He then guided her to a stool on the simply designed stage, continuing the performance as both shared the moment with visible amusement. The performance came during a stripped-down segment ...
Read more

Sydney Sweeney Turns Heads in Sheer Chainmail Gown at Variety's 2025 Power of Women Event

Image
‎Sydney Sweeney captured all eyes at Variety’s 2025 Power of Women event, delivering one of the season’s most talked-about red carpet moments. The Euphoria and Anyone But You star attended the prestigious ceremony on October 29, where she was honored for her contributions and achievements, all while promoting her highly anticipated drama Christy. ‎ Sydney Sweeney dazzles in a sheer Christian Cowan gown at Variety’s 2025 Power of Women, honoring women and promoting her film Christy. ‎Getty (3) ‎ ‎The actress stunned in a breathtaking Christian Cowan gown that epitomized autumn’s boldest fashion trend — the sheer metallic look. Designed to resemble Medieval chainmail, the shimmering piece featured a daring lace-up back and clung effortlessly to Sweeney’s figure, creating an elegant yet edgy silhouette. The reflective fabric gave a moistened sheen that caught the light beautifully, cementing her status as one of the evening’s standout style icons. ‎ ‎— Getty ‎ ‎Acc...
Read more

'Avengers: Doomsday' Footage Debuts at CinemaCon Featuring Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom

Image
‎CinemaCon in Las Vegas became the stage for Marvel Studios’ biggest reveal yet as the first extensive footage from Avengers: Doomsday was unveiled, confirming Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the Marvel universe in a completely new role. ‎ ‎CinemaCon debuts first Avengers: Doomsday footage, revealing Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom and teasing a major MCU crossover with X-Men heroes. ‎Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney ‎Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige appeared during Disney’s presentation finale to introduce the film, explaining that Doomsday continues the storyline established in Avengers: Endgame. He also emphasized the significance of bringing together the Avengers and X-Men in a shared cinematic moment. ‎ ‎The film is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, marking their return to the MCU. Written by Michael Waldron and Stephen McFeely, the project reintroduces Doctor Doom as a highly intelligent and calculated force. Joe Russo described the character as one of Marvel’s mos...
Read more

Franklin Richards, son of Reed and Sue: Marvel's most powerful child unleashed

Image
‎Born to two of the Marvel Universe's most iconic heroes—Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) and Sue Storm (Invisible Woman)—Franklin Richards was never going to be ordinary. But no one expected this. ‎ Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby in 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps'. ‎ 20th Century Studios/Marvel Studios ‎ ‎From the moment he first opened his eyes in New York City, Franklin's destiny was intertwined with the cosmos. Not just another gifted child of superheroes, Franklin emerged as a mutant—or something more—with the ability to reshape existence itself. ‎ ‎His middle name, Benjamin, honors his godfather, Ben Grimm, and his first name, Franklin, pays tribute to his maternal grandfather. But make no mistake: Franklin Richards would earn a name that cosmic entities would fear to speak. ‎ ‎Powers Unleashed: Too Much for Earth to Handle ‎ ‎As a toddler, Franklin’s powers manifested with terrifying potential. When the alien tyrant Annihilus tried to siphon the child’...
Read more

Justin Baldoni Demands Blake Lively’s Net Worth Be Discussed in Trial

Image
‎Justin Baldoni is taking issue with Blake Lively’s latest legal move, urging a New York judge to reject her attempt to keep discussions of her wealth out of their upcoming trial. According to documents obtained by TMZ, Baldoni insists her financial standing is central to the case—particularly because she introduced it herself. ‎ ‎Justin Baldoni opposes Blake Lively’s move to exclude her net worth from trial, arguing her finances and Ryan Reynolds’ income are key to her claims. ‎Adobe Stock; Bryan Bedder/Getty Images; Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images ‎ ‎In filings submitted Friday, the actor-director maintains that Lively’s earnings and overall financial position are directly tied to her claims. She previously alleged she lost millions due to what she describes as a smear campaign orchestrated by Baldoni, estimating her losses at $161 million. ‎ ‎Baldoni is not stopping at Lively’s finances. He is also requesting that the court consider the income and professional standing of...
Read more

Michael Jackson Biopic 'Michael': First Reactions

Image
‎The much-anticipated film Michael is beginning to generate conversation online, as attendees from its Los Angeles premiere share their first impressions. The project, focused on the life of Michael Jackson, officially screened for U.S. audiences on Monday night. ‎ ‎Social media reactions to the Michael Jackson biopic Michael surface after its U.S. premiere, with full reviews set before its worldwide release. ‎Glen Wilson ‎Prior to this event, the movie had already held its world premiere in Berlin on April 10. However, responses from American press had been limited until now. A broader wave of critiques is expected on April 22, shortly before the film’s global theatrical debut on April 24. ‎ ‎Helmed by Antoine Fuqua, the production traces Jackson’s path from his early years performing with the Jackson 5 during the Motown era to his emergence as a defining solo artist. There has been ongoing discussion surrounding whether the narrative includes the more controversial elemen...
Read more

‎Oscar 2026 Shockers: Wicked Sequel Shut Out as Delroy Lindo Surprises and Paul Mescal Misses Out

Image
‎Years after feeling overlooked by the Academy, Delroy Lindo has finally received recognition. Following Da 5 Bloods earning only one nomination in 2021, the actor had openly shared how disappointed he was by the lack of acknowledgment for the film and his performance. ‎ ‎Chase Infiniti in 'One Battle After Another,' Paul Mescal in 'Hamnet,' Delroy Lindo in 'Sinners' and Kate Hudson in 'Song Sung Blue.' ‎Warner Bros./Courtesy Everett Collection; Agata Grzybowska/Focus Features/Courtesy Everett Collection; Warner Bros.; Focus Features/Courtesy Everett Collection ‎ ‎In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lindo described that moment as deeply disheartening, though he acknowledged that awards are never guaranteed and emphasized that no artist is owed nominations. ‎ ‎Now, the narrative has changed. Lindo picked up a best supporting actor nomination for Sinners, one of a record 16 nominations for the film. His selection surprised many, ...
Read more

‎Coachella Weekend Two: PinkPantheress Brings Out Zara Larsson, Janelle Monáe and More

Image
‎PinkPantheress turned her weekend two performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival into a standout showcase, featuring a host of notable guest appearances. ‎ ‎Much like her weekend one set at the Mojave tent, actor Tyriq Withers made multiple appearances throughout the show, continuing his now-familiar role during her performance. This time, however, the “Stateside” singer expanded the lineup, bringing even more prominent names onto the stage. ‎ Chase Infiniti, Zara Larsson, Pinkpantheress, Janelle Monáe and Manon. ‎Monica Schipper/Getty Images, Alexander Tamargo/Getty Images for iHeartRadio, Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Coachella, Frazer Harrison/Getty Images, Presley Ann/Getty Images for Pandora Jewelry ‎ ‎One of the anticipated moments came when pop star Zara Larsson joined the festivities. Fans had already begun speculating after spotting her at the festival earlier in the weekend. Contrary to expectations, Larsson did not appear for the opening track—...
Read more

‎Catherine O’Hara Dead at 71: Inside the Rare Condition She Lived With for Decades

Image
‎Award-winning actress Catherine O’Hara died Friday at the age of 71 after being rushed to a Los Angeles hospital in critical condition. ‎ ‎According to Page Six, paramedics responded to a call at the “Schitt’s Creek” actress’s residence and transported her to a nearby hospital, where she later passed away. Her agency stated she died after a brief illness, but no official cause of death has been disclosed. ‎ ‎Actress Catherine O’Hara has died at 71 after being hospitalized in LA. She lived with dextrocardia with situs inversus, a rare condition involving reversed internal organs. Its role in her death remains unknown. ‎Amy Sussman/Getty Images ‎ ‎One confirmed detail about O’Hara’s health history is that she had a rare congenital condition called dextrocardia with situs inversus. Whether this condition contributed to her death has not been determined. ‎ ‎The disorder involves a complete reversal of internal organs within the chest and abdomen, forming a mirror image of stan...
Read more

‎'Alchemy of Souls' Season 3: Release date, cast news, and future of the K-Drama saga

Image
‎South Korea’s Alchemy of Souls stands as a shining example of the Hong sisters’ mastery in weaving fantasy, romance, and emotional drama into a compelling epic. Set against a backdrop of forbidden magic and soul-shifting sorcery, the series has captivated a global audience since its debut. With Season 2—Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow—delivering a strong conclusion in January 2023, speculation continues to swirl about whether a third installment could be on the horizon. ‎ ‎' Alchemy of Souls. ' ‎Netflix ‎ ‎Fans were left particularly invested in Naksu’s fate as the second season drew to a close. Rather than ending on a dramatic cliffhanger, the series offered a satisfying resolution: Jin Seol relinquished full control of Jin Bu-yeon’s body to Naksu, allowing her to reclaim her life and identity as a powerful mage. The final moments depicted Jang Uk and Naksu receiving blessings from both Songrim and Jinyowon, marking a peaceful and fulfilled ending for the lead ...
Read more