Michelle Trachtenberg‘s cause of death is finally confirmed. She died from complications related to diabetes.
For a while, people weren’t even sure if we’d ever find out what happened. She was only 39, and it looked like the details might just stay private forever.
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Turns out, her family didn’t want an autopsy done at the time.
Her family rejected an autopsy
When the news of her passing first came out, there were more questions than answers. Everyone wanted to know what happened, but her family had decided against an autopsy.
They made that call for personal, medical reasons.
The medical examiner’s decision and testing
Since there was nothing suspicious about her death, no foul play or anything like that, the medical examiner respected the family’s wishes.
They didn’t do a full autopsy. Instead, they ran some lab tests and did a basic external exam to see what they could find.
Her death was confirmed to be diabetes-related
Eventually, they got the answers.
According to reports from ABC News and People Magazine, Michelle passed because of complications tied to diabetes mellitus. That’s what showed up in the toxicology results.
The official cause of death was listed as natural.
Fans expressed their grief after her passing
The news came out of nowhere, and her fans just weren’t ready for it.
Social media lit up with tributes, memories, and heartbreak. Michelle clearly meant a lot to many.
Michelle’s rise to fame started at a young age
A lot of people remember Michelle for her roles on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl.
But she actually got her start way earlier. She was only nine when she landed a part on Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete.
She pretty much grew up on screen.
Her reps confirmed her death
Her team put out a short statement through The Hollywood Reporter to confirm the sad news.
“It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time.”
That was all they said at the time. No details.
Co-stars paid tribute
Blake Lively, who worked with Michelle on Gossip Girl, was one of the first to speak up after hearing the news.
Michelle played Georgina Sparks, a fan favorite, and Blake clearly remembered her fondly.
Blake Lively shared a heartfelt tribute
Blake posted on Instagram: “Everything she did, she did 200 percent.
“She laughed the fullest at someone’s joke, she faced authority head on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work, she was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be sometimes.
“She was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself.
“Time passes. You take for granted that you get the chance to see an old friend.
“To paraphrase, the real tragedies in life are the ones that blindside you on an idle Tuesday. Hold those you love and have loved dear.
“The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle.
“May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire.”
