Fans of Gossip Girl and Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Michelle Trachtenberg may never learn the exact cause of her death due to opposition in New York.
On Wednesday morning (February 26), the 39-year-old actress was tragically found dead in her home at One Columbus Place in New York City. Authorities have ruled out foul play.
Police responded to a 911 call shortly after 8:00 a.m., where they found Trachtenberg unconscious and unresponsive. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) pronounced her dead at the scene.
The NYPD released a statement confirming that “criminality is not suspected” and that “the medical examiner will determine the cause of death.” However, they noted that the investigation remains ongoing.
Her family also issued a statement through a representative:
“It is with great sadness that we confirm Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy during this difficult time.”
Religious Objection to Autopsy
Trachtenberg’s cause of death may never be publicly disclosed due to her family’s religious objections to an autopsy. While the medical examiner has the authority to override such objections, they typically do so only in cases where foul play is suspected. Given that no criminal activity is involved, the examiner honored the family’s request, meaning only an external examination of her body will be conducted.
Hollywood Mourns
The entertainment industry is mourning Trachtenberg’s passing, with co-stars and friends paying tribute to her legacy. Gossip Girl co-star Blake Lively took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message alongside a photograph from their first day on set together.
“This is the first day I met Michelle. She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200 percent.”
Lively continued:
“She laughed the fullest at someone’s joke, she faced authority head-on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work. She was proud to be a part of this community and industry, as painful as it could be sometimes. She was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved. She was big and bold and distinctly herself.”
Reflecting on the suddenness of her passing, Lively added:
“Time passes. You take for granted that you’ll get the chance to see an old friend. To paraphrase, the real tragedies in life are the ones that blindside you on an idle Tuesday.”
She concluded:
“The world lost a deeply sensitive and good person in Michelle. May her work and her huge heart be remembered by those who were lucky enough to experience her fire.”
