Michelle Trachtenberg has died at just 39 years old. The late starlet — who is known for countless film and television roles — was found dead in a New York City apartment on February 26, 2025. Though authorities reportedly were not investigating any foul play in her death, fans were shocked about the news and wondered how the young actress died. Two months after Trachtenberg’s death, a medical examiner determined her cause of death.
Below, find out everything we know so far about Trachtenberg’s untimely death.
Michelle Trachtenberg’s Movies & TV Shows
Trachtenberg quickly won over hearts throughout the early 2000s, but she got her start in the late 1990s with her breakout film role, Harriet the Spy. She went on to appear in a slew of other movies, including Inspector Gadget, Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish, Black Christmas and Eurotrip, as well as TV shows like Law & Order, All My Children, The Adventures of Pete & Pete, Mercy, Weeds, Criminal Minds, Sleepy Hollow and NCIS: Los Angeles.
The New York City native’s most acclaimed film and TV roles were in Ice Princess, 17 Again, Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Michelle Trachtenberg’s Cause of Death
Trachtenberg’s official cause of death was revealed on April 16, 2025. The New York City Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that she died due to complications from diabetes.
Previously, sources told ABC News that she had “recently [undergone] a liver transplant and may have been experiencing complications.” The outlet further reported that Trachtenberg is “believed to have died of natural causes.”
The actress was found dead in a 51-store apartment complex located on Central Park South, New York City, per The New York Post. Just days prior to her death, she was still active on Instagram posting photos.
Michelle Trachtenberg’s Health
It’s unclear how long Trachtenberg had been living with diabetes, since the medical examiner declared that this contributed to her death. As multiple outlets previously reported, Trachtenberg underwent a live transplant for an undisclosed health issue. Over the past year, fans grew concerned over Trachtenberg’s physical appearance, as many pointed out on social media that she looked “gaunt.”
In January 2024, Trachtenberg seemingly responded to the online concern from her fans by posting an Instagram selfie with the caption, “Fun fact. This is my face. Not malnutrition no problems. Why do you have you hate? Get a calendar.”
Earlier that month, she shared a separate Instagram caption directly addressing the comments, which read, “I have never had plastic surgery I am happy and healthy. Check yourself haters.”
