Shockwaves have hit Hollywood as Michelle Trachtenberg, the star of ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer,’ has been found dead at 39. With no autopsy performed and the cause of death officially listed as ‘undetermined,’ questions are swirling about how she died.
The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in New York City confirmed on Thursday that Trachtenberg’s cause and manner of death have been ruled as undetermined. This classification is used when there isn’t enough information to determine if the death was natural, accidental, or due to other circumstances.
Her family reportedly declined an autopsy, a request that the medical examiner’s office honored. This decision leaves lingering questions about the exact circumstances of her passing. Law enforcement officials have stated that there were no signs of criminal activity, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Trachtenberg was discovered unresponsive in her New York apartment early Wednesday, with emergency medical services confirming her death at the scene. Her representative, Gary Mantoosh, released a statement expressing the family’s grief and requesting privacy during this difficult time.
The actress gained fame as a child star, starring in iconic teen series and films such as ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’, ‘Harriet the Spy’, and ‘Ice Princess’. However, it was her role as Georgina Sparks on ‘Gossip Girl’ that cemented her as a fan favorite in the late 2000s.
Following the news of her passing, tributes poured in from former co-stars and industry peers. Blake Lively, who shared the screen with her on ‘Gossip Girl’, described her as “electric” in an emotional Instagram post. Rosie O’Donnell, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in ‘Harriet the Spy’, expressed heartbreak, saying, “I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
Trachtenberg’s sudden passing has left Hollywood in shock, with fans revisiting her most iconic performances in remembrance of her talent. While her cause of death remains undetermined, her legacy as a vibrant and dedicated actress lives on.
