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11 Jan 2026 3:04
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  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Michelle Trachtenberg's official cause of death has been revealed

    The former 'Gossip Girl' actress died in February at the age of 39, and it has now been confirmed that she passed away as a result of complications of diabetes mellitus


    A spokesperson for the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner told PEOPLE : "The amended determination was made following review of toxicology testing results.

    "Toxicology testing can be done without autopsy."

    According to the outlet, the manner of death was ruled as "natural".

    Diabetes mellitus, more commonly known as diabetes, is a chronic condition where blood sugar levels are too high and the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.

    The actress recently underwent a liver transplant, according to sources at the New York Post newspaper, and her death was not being treated as suspicious.

    In recent years, Trachtenberg's fans have expressed concern about her health on social media.

    And in 2024, the 'Harriet the Spy' star actually took to social media to explain her gaunt appearance.

    In response to a question about her health, Trachtenberg replied: "@cathy_critz explain to me how I look sick. Did you lose a calendar and not realize I'm not 14? I'm 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment. (sic)"

    Trachtenberg subsequently shared a selfie and insisted that she was feeling "happy and healthy".

    The actress captioned the image: "I've received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery. I am happy and healthy. Check yourself haters. (sic)"

    Trachtenberg first found fame as a child, starring in TV commercials and the Nickelodeon series 'The Adventures of Pete and Pete'.

    In 2000, the actress joined the cast of 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' as Dawn Summers. And between 2008 and 2012, Trachtenberg played Georgina Sparks on the hit teen drama series 'Gossip Girl'.

    © 2026 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

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     Today's News

    Accident and Emergency:
    Six people have been involved in separate water-related incidents across the country this afternoon 23:06

    Environment:
    MetService has issued a severe weather warning for the South Island West Coast 21:56

    Entertainment:
    Jeremy Allen White and Pusha T both feature in Louis Vuitton's new travel-themed campaign 21:53

    Entertainment:
    Nell Fisher says her friends "don't care" that she stars in Stranger Things 21:23

    Environment:
    An expected rain deluge and a possible tropical cyclone are posing fresh threats to already hard-hit communities in Queensland's far north 21:16

    Entertainment:
    Bodybuilder-turned-actress Jayne Trcka has been found dead at her home in California 20:53

    Entertainment:
    Kendall Jenner is celebrating "confidence" in her new role as a global fragrance ambassador for Emporio Armani 20:23

    Entertainment:
    A member of Mickey Rourke's own management team set up GoFundMe campaign for him "as a nice gesture" as he faced eviction from his home 19:53

    Entertainment:
    Kate Hudson doesn't regret making "sacrifices" for her family by staying at home to look after her kids 19:23

    Christchurch:
    Drummond Wharf in Akaroa is cordoned off after a drowning 18:56


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