Michelle Trachtenberg died a natural death from complications of diabetes, the New York City medical examiner’s office said Wednesday.
There was no autopsy performed, but toxicology test results gave additional clarity, according to the medical examiner’s office.
The “Gossip Girl” actress was found dead in her apartment in Columbus Circle in February at the age of 39.
Previously, Trachtenberg’s family objected to an autopsy for religious reasons. Because there was no suspicion of foul play or criminality associated with the actress’s death, the medical examiner did not overrule the family’s objection and limited the investigation to an external examination and lab testing.
Michelle Trachenberg arrives on the red carpet at the 26th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards.
Paul Mounce/Corbis via Getty Images
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, estimates show 38 million Americans have diabetes, a chronic health condition that impacts how your body manages glucose. This number has been increasing for the last 20 years, and diabetes is currently the eighth leading cause of death in the U.S.
Trachtenberg made her acting debut as a child star with roles in Nickelodeon projects, including the television series “The Adventure of Pete & Pete” and the film “Harriet the Spy.”
The actress gained prominence first for her role as Dawn in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” which she played from 2000 to 2003.
She found further success as Georgina Sparks on “Gossip Girl” from 2008 to 2012. For her role, she was nominated as the choice TV villain at the Teen Choice Awards in 2012.
Friends and co-stars of Trachtenberg, including Blake Lively, Rosie O’Donnell, Chace Crawford and more, mourned the actress after her death.
