Almost two months after Michelle Trachtenberg died at 39 years old, the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner issued a statement announcing the cause and manner of death. Born in New York City, the “Gossip Girl” actress died at 8 a.m. on Feb. 26 in her Manhattan luxury apartment building.
In February, the office stated the cause and manner of death were “undetermined.” New York Police Department officers found her unresponsive and unconscious. On Wednesday, the medical examiner’s office revealed her death was from natural causes due to complications of diabetes mellitus.
The Untimely Death of Michelle Trachtenberg
Initially, Trachtenberg’s cause of death was ruled as undetermined because her family declined an autopsy. The request was honored because law enforcement did not deem the death as suspicious. When the police first discovered the unconscious and unresponsive woman on Feb. 26, EMS pronounced her deceased. She was later identified as Michelle Trachtenberg.
Reports indicate that the actress recently experienced a medical issue. Her manner of death was ruled as natural due to complications related to diabetes mellitus. Last year, after posting an apparent selfie with actress Alexa PenaVega, a commenter asked Trachtenberg if she was sick. She replied, “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.”
Michelle Trachtenberg As an Actress
Trachtenberg’s career as an actress began with television commercials at the age of three. She went on to become a child star in television and movie roles, earning a reputation as a favorite in the 2000s. The star first gained notoriety in the 1990s with her role on Nickelodeon’s “The Adventures of Pete & Pete.”
Trachtenberg is known best for her roles in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Harriet the Spy,” and “Gossip Girl.” She starred in a variety of roles like the Disney movie, “Ice Princess,” the teen comedy, “EuroTrip,” and the cable drama “Six Feet Under.”
More About Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus, the cause of death for Michelle Trachtenberg, is the formal name for a group of metabolic disorders characterized by persistent high blood glucose levels due to inadequate blood sugar control. The body either cannot produce insulin or is unable to use the insulin it makes.
There are several categories of diabetes, including Type 1, Type 2, gestational diabetes, Neonatal diabetes, and maturity-onset diabetes of the young. The disease affects approximately 38 million people nationwide, and high blood sugar levels can lead to long-term health problems.
