MICHELLE Trachtenberg’s cause of death is “undetermined” after her family refused an autopsy.
The Gossip Girl actress died at 39 due to an undetermined manner and cause, her official autopsy report said.
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Trachtenberg’s mom found her daughter at around 8 am at her 51-story apartment building in Manhattan on Wednesday, cops said.
The star’s family objected to the full report, a spokeswoman for the city medical examiner’s office told the New York Post.
The halted autopsy means the cause of death wasn’t determined because there wasn’t enough information available.
Investigators aren’t expected to look more into her death due to her family’s wishes.
READ MORE ON MICHELLE’S DEATH
Trachtenberg reportedly underwent a liver transplant in the months before her death.
Reports claim she was experiencing complications from the operation.
The actress never publicly spoke about her health condition.
She put on a brave face through her reported health struggles and even went out with her friends in New York City as recently as last Thursday.
She regularly posted on social media and shared her final photo on Instagram on February 18.
After news of her death broke, her friend revealed in a heartbreaking tribute that they had spoken while Trachtenberg was in her hospital bed.
Amanda de Cadenet said in a sentimental message on Instagram that she knew death was a possibility for the actress.
“Seeing your face from the hospital bed when we FaceTimed recently, even though you did not look like you, your sweetness and humor were still alive,” she wrote.
“I will not share the details of our conversations over the last 6 months.
“But you knew that death was a high possibility,” she said.
Michelle Trachtenberg’s career
Michelle Trachtenberg began her career as a child actress, starring in over 62 movies and TV shows before her sudden death at age 39.
Notable roles throughout her career include:
- 1994: Nona Mecklenberg in The Adventures of Pete & Pete
- 1996: Harriet in Harriet the Spy
- 1997: Dawn in Buffy the Vampire Slayer
- 1999: Penny Brown in Inspector Gadget
- 2001: Hosted and narrated Truth or Scare
- 2004: Jenny in Euro Trip
- 2005: Casey Carlyle in Ice Princess
- 2006: Melissa in Black Christmas
- 2007: Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl
- 2009: Maggie in 17 Again
- 2015: Megan Phillips in The Christmas Gift
- 2022-2023: Georgina Sparks in the Gossip Girl reboot
The star also made cameo appearances in major TV shows:
- 2006: Lisa Tyler in Law and Order: Criminal Intent
- 2006: Melinda Bardach in House
- 2013: Lily Lockhart in NCIS: Los Angeles
- 2013: Diane Turner in Criminal Minds
However, de Cadenet later deleted the original sentences as she edited her post.
“I am only sorry that the outcome was not a better one,” she concluded.
“Wishing you a peaceful transition sweet friend and may your spirit finally rest.”
Trachtenberg’s credits include major roles on hit shows Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
She was an actress since childhood, starring as the titular role in the 1996 movie Harriet the Spy.
In 2023, she reprised her role of Georgina for the Gossip Girl reboot in what would be her final onscreen appearance.
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Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played the titular role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the older sister of Trachtenberg’s character, shared a tribute to the actress on Instagram on Thursday morning.
“Listen. I love you. I will always love you,” Gellar wrote on Instagram.
“The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you.”
Trachtenberg’s Gossip Girl co-stars also shared touching tributes to the New York native online.
Blake Lively, Ed Westwick, and Taylor Momsen all remembered their co-star with messages on social media.
Tributes to Michelle Trachtenberg
Friends and former co-stars of Trachtenberg’s were quick to post tributes on social media honoring the actress.
David Boreanaz, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, posted a photo of the actress on his Instagram story, commenting, “So very sad…horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family.”
Trachtenberg’s Gossip Girl co-star Ed Westwick posted a photo on his Instagram story of the actress when she played Georgina Sparks. He wrote, “So sad to hear of the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg. Sending prayers.”
Kim Cattrall, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in 2005 film Ice Princess, wrote, “Rest in peace sweet Michelle.”
Rosie O’Donnell, who acted with Trachtenberg in Harriet the Spy, also said the news was “heartbreaking.”
“I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped,” she said, according to People.
James Marsters, another co-star on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, posted on Instagram to honor the late actress. “My heart is heavy today,” he wrote.
“We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her.”
Fellow Nickelodeon star Kenan Thompson posted a farewell message to the actress and reminded others to check in on their friends.
“Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! Check on your people!!!” he wrote.
Melissa Joan Hart, Trachtenberg’s Clarissa Explains it All co-star, said she was “heartbroken” over her death alongside a clip of the show.
“I’m heartbroken to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg,” she said. “So young, so talented and so sweet!”
“I think this was about 1992 and the episode was an idea I had about babysitting a total nightmare. But Michelle was nothing like her character and even this young, we got along wonderfully.”
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