‘Gossip Girl’ star Michelle Trachtenberg’s cause of death revealed by authorities
The authorities have revealed more details about Michelle Trachtenberg’s death.
A spokesperson for the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirmed to PEOPLE magazine that the Gossp Girl star died due to complications of diabetes mellitus, ruling her death as natural.
The authorities’ findings came two months after Trachtenberg was found dead in her Manhattan apartment in late February. Her cause of death was initially ruled “undetermined” after her family objected to an autopsy.
"The amended determination was made following review of toxicology testing results,” the spokesperson told the outlet. "Toxicology testing can be done without autopsy."
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes develops when the body has high blood sugar. This occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, a hormone that regulates blood glucose, or when the body cannot use the insulin properly.
This disease has several types, such as Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. The symptoms may include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, and unintentional or unexplained weight loss, among others.
Per WHO, it can also affect blood vessels in the heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves, and those with the disease are at high risk for other health problems like heart attack and kidney failure.
Trachtenberg was a child star and played roles in the 1996 film Harriet The Spy, television series The Adventure of Pete & Pete.
Her big break came on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, where she played Dawn. She later starred on the hit show Gossip Girl from 2008 to 2012, with co-stars including Blake Lively, Penn Badgley, and Leighton Meester.
Trachtenberg also appeared in films such as EuroTrip, 17 Again, and The Scribbler.
