Authorities Reveal ‘Gossip Girl’ Star Michelle Trachtenberg’s Cause Of Death: REPORT

The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner reported Michelle Trachtenberg died naturally due to complications from diabetes mellitus, Deadline reported.

Officials originally said the coroner’s office would not be able to determine the star’s cause of death because her family had declined an autopsy for religious reasons, according to the outlet. The medical examiner issued a statement to Deadline saying the information was amended after a review of laboratory test results. Trachtenberg was best known for her roles in “Gossip Girl” and “Buffy The Vampire Slayer” and was 39 years old at the time of her death.

Actress Michelle Trachtenberg attends the 28th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party on February 9, 2020 in West hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP) (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Trachtenberg’s mother discovered her unresponsive in her midtown Manhattan apartment February 26, sources said.

Paramedics attended the star’s home, where she was declared dead at the scene. Foul play was never suspected in this case. Insiders previously revealed that the actress had received a liver transplant before her death, but it was unknown at the time if that procedure was a factor.

Michelle Trachtenberg during “The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King” – Los Angeles Premiere at The Mann Village Theatre in Westwood, California, United States. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic) Getty Images

HOLLYWOOD, CA – AUGUST 31: Actress Michelle Trachtenberg arrives at the premiere of Lifetime’s “Sister Cities” at Paramount Theatre on August 31, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage) Getty Images

Trachtenberg began her acting career as a girl. Her first credited role was in the tv show “Clarissa Explains It All” in the 1990s. Her breakout role came in 1996 in “Harriet the Spy.” The actress enjoyed a multi-year role playing Dawn Summers on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and starred in “Gossip Girl.” (RELATED: Devastating Cause Of Death Of ‘Dazed And Confused’ Star Nicky Katt Released)

Hollywood was left reeling with the news of her death, and big names including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Blake Lively, Alyson Hannigan and Kenan Thompson were among those who paid tribute to the actress when she passed away.