The cause of death for Michelle Trachtenberg, who died suddenly in February at the age of 39, has been revealed.
The “Gossip Girl” star’s death was ruled as natural and was a result of complications of diabetes mellitus, according to the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
A spokesperson for the medical examiner told People that “the amended determination was made following review of toxicology testing results” and noted that “toxicology testing can be done without autopsy.”
Trachtenberg, who was best known for her roles in “Gossip Girl” and “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” was discovered unresponsive and unconscious in a New York City apartment after her mother placed a call to 911.
Sources told the outlet that Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant, but that was never confirmed. The “Buffy” star made headlines last year after leaving comments on fan posts saying she looked unhealthy, as The Daily Wire previously reported.
“Explain to me how I look sick,” the actress replied to one commenter. “Did you lose a calendar and not realize I’m not 14. I’m 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment.”
“I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery I am happy and healthy,” she added in another post. “Check yourself haters.”
The former child star first got her big break when she landed the role of Harriet in the 1996 children’s movie “Harriet the Spy” alongside Rosie O’Donnell, who played her nanny.
Trachtenberg is also known for her work in films such as the 2005 children’s movie “Ice Princess” and the 2009 romantic comedy “17 Again,” which starred Zac Efron and Matthew Perry.
“Harriet the Spy” director Bronwen Hughes shared a tribute to the late actress after news of her death in February.
“Michelle was like a lightning bolt of a casting discovery. She had fire, she had spark, she had truth, and she had Harriet’s conviction, like her sense of self,” she told The Hollywood Reporter.
“No one else came in the room like that,” she added. “So she had that acting gene that you can’t really teach. It’s innate, which is not something you find very often.”
