Police have issued an update about Michelle Trachtenberg’s death as more tragic details have emerged.
Michelle Trachtenberg, beloved actress known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, tragically died at the age of 39.
The actress, who rose to fame as a child star in The Adventures of Pete & Pete before transitioning into more mature roles, was found unresponsive in her New York City apartment on February 26.
Fans and colleagues have flooded social media with tributes, mourning the loss of the talented star.
One fan shared: “Ice Princess was one of my favorite movies growing up. This is devastating.”
Another wrote: “May she rest in peace. Loved watching Buffy, such a great show.”
A third added: “Eurotrip was one of my fav films as a teenager. She was so likable in everything I saw her in. My thoughts are with family and friends.”
In the months leading up to her passing, Trachtenberg’s social media activity sparked concern among fans.
She shared a series of photos where she appeared noticeably thinner and frail, prompting worried comments about her health.
Despite the speculation, the actress reassured followers that she was “happy and healthy,” dismissing any concerns.
However, a source told People magazine that behind the scenes, Trachtenberg was struggling emotionally.
“She confided in friends about her struggles,” the source revealed. “She was really, really sick and was open with those close to her about how much she was going through.”
In her final weeks, she remained active on Instagram, posting nostalgic photos with cryptic captions.
Just a week before her passing, she shared a throwback from the Killing Kennedy premiere, captioning it: “I wanted to look like naughty.”
Days earlier, she had posted another old photo, joking about not letting the “Sunday scaries” get to her.
Trachtenberg was found by her mother around 8 a.m. at One Columbus Place, a luxury high-rise in Manhattan.
The NYPD confirmed that officers arrived to find her “unconscious and unresponsive.” Emergency medical services later pronounced her deceased at the scene.
Reports revealed that Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant, and sources suggested that complications from the procedure may have played a role in her passing.
However, police stated there was no suspicion of foul play, and her death was believed to be from natural causes.
The New York Office of Chief Medical Examiner ruled her cause of death as “undetermined” after her family objected to an autopsy.
A representative told Page Six: “Under public health law, families may object to an autopsy based on religious beliefs. If there is no suspicion of criminality or compelling public health reason to proceed, the medical examiner honors the objection.”
While an external examination was performed, further testing is unlikely, leaving the official cause and manner of her death classified as undetermined.
She is survived by her parents, Lana and Michael Trachtenberg. Her longtime partner, talent agent Jay Cohen, has not publicly commented on her passing.
As tributes continue to pour in, fans and colleagues remember her not only for her immense talent but also for the warmth and charisma she brought to every role she played.
