Michelle Trachtenberg, the actress known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gossip Girl, and Harriet the Spy, died Wednesday at age 39 in her New York City apartment. Her cause of death will remain undetermined after her family declined an autopsy, citing religious grounds, according to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
"Under public health law, families may object to autopsy based on religious belief, and provided there is no suspicion of criminality or compelling public health reason to proceed with autopsy, the medical examiner honors the objection," a spokesperson for the medical examiner's office told Page Six.
Trachtenberg was found "unconscious and unresponsive" at her apartment near Columbus Circle at approximately 8:01 a.m., according to the New York Police Department. Officers arrived at the scene following a 911 call from her mother. Emergency medical services later pronounced her deceased. Police have ruled out foul play, stating, "Criminality is not suspected. The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing."
Medical examiners conducted an external examination but did not proceed with an autopsy. Without further testing, the cause and manner of her death will be listed as "undetermined" on her death certificate.
Reports have surfaced that Trachtenberg had recently undergone a liver transplant due to complications from alcohol-related health issues. However, officials have not confirmed whether these factors contributed to her death.
The actress first gained recognition as a child star in Harriet the Spy (1996) before taking on the role of Dawn Summers, Buffy's younger sister, in Buffy the Vampire Slayer from 2000 to 2003. She later became widely known for her portrayal of Georgina Sparks in Gossip Girl, a role she reprised in HBO Max's 2023 reboot.
Her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from former co-stars. Sarah Michelle Gellar, who starred as Buffy, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram alongside a series of photos. "Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you," Gellar wrote. "The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live... for you."
Her Gossip Girl co-star Ed Westwick shared a throwback image from the show, writing, "So sad to hear of the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg, sending prayers." Rosie O'Donnell, who worked with Trachtenberg on Harriet the Spy, also mourned her loss, calling it "heartbreaking" and adding, "I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped."
