Nearly two months have elapsed since the tragic and shocking demise of the 39-year-old actress, Michelle Trachtenberg, and we are now, at long last, receiving definitive answers regarding the exact circumstances that led to her untimely passing. As revealed by the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner to People Magazine on Wednesday, the beloved star of Buffy the Vampire Slayer succumbed to natural causes, with diabetes mellitus complications emerging as the primary catalyst.
Immediately upon learning of Trachtenberg's death on February 26, 2025, People Magazine was informed that the actress had recently undergone a liver transplant. ABC News speculated that the surgical procedure might have triggered certain complications.
In the days immediately following her departure, a close friend of Trachtenberg's shared with People Magazine their concerns about the actress, noting that she hadn't been herself lately. The friend revealed that Trachtenberg had been emotionally devastated and had confided in her circle that she had been grappling with challenges for approximately a year.
"She was genuinely and profoundly ill and open about her struggles within her inner circle," the source disclosed to People, adding that "she appeared pale, gaunt, extremely thin, and battling health issues."
Despite these health woes, Trachtenberg remained fiercely resilient until the very end. In January, she posted a selfie where the visible toll of her health was unmistakable. Critics wasted no time in seizing the moment to comment, but Trachtenberg swiftly retaliated. She posted another selfie accompanied by the caption: "Fun fact. This is my face. Not malnutrition, no issues. Why must you harbor hate? Get a life."
