The official determination of Michelle Trachtenberg's cause and manner of death has been made public, revealing a tragic conclusion shrouded in uncertainty. On Thursday, the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in New York City, where Trachtenberg was discovered deceased early Wednesday, issued a statement to USA TODAY, stating that both the cause and manner of her passing remained undetermined. This classification could imply a lack of sufficient or conflicting information, with equal weight given to and against specific categories of death, such as suicide, homicide, or accident.
Respecting the wishes of Trachtenberg's family, who declined an autopsy, the medical examiner's office honored their request, as reported by CNN and ABC News. EMS personnel pronounced her deceased after finding her unconscious and unresponsive on Wednesday. The NYPD has ruled out criminal involvement and continues its investigation.
Gary Mantoosh, Trachtenberg's representative, confirmed her passing with profound sadness in a statement to USA TODAY on Wednesday, requesting privacy for the grieving family. "There are no further details at this time," he added.
The 39-year-old actress, renowned for her roles in iconic teen television series like "Gossip Girl" and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," rose to fame throughout the 2000s, building on her years as a child star. Trachtenberg's breakthrough Disney role came in 2005 with "Ice Princess," a star-studded coming-of-age film featuring Kim Cattrall, Hayden Panettiere, and Joan Cusack, which further elevated her growing fame initially sparked by her recurring role on "Buffy" as the sister of Sarah Michelle Gellar's title character.
Later, she became a beloved figure among fans for her portrayal of Georgina Sparks in The CW series "Gossip Girl," sharing the screen with Leighton Meester, Blake Lively, Kelly Rutherford, Ed Westwick, Taylor Momsen, Chace Crawford, and Penn Badgley.
Reacting to the heartbreaking news, Blake Lively posted on Instagram, "She was electricity. You could feel her presence the moment she entered a room; the vibration shifted. She gave 200% in everything she did." She continued, "The world has lost a deeply sensitive and kind soul in Michelle. May her work and her immense heart be cherished by those fortunate enough to have experienced her fiery spirit."
Rosie O'Donnell, who co-starred with Trachtenberg in "Harriet the Spy," one of the actress's earliest and most notable successes, shared her grief with Us Weekly, calling her death "heartbreaking." "I loved her deeply. She struggled in recent years. I wish I could have offered her help," she expressed.
