Michelle Trachtenberg, the actress known for roles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Gossip Girl," died suddenly on February 26, 2025, at the age of 39. Her official cause of death was determined to be complications from diabetes mellitus, and the manner of death was ruled natural. She was found unconscious and unresponsive in her New York City apartment. Her family had objected to an autopsy for religious reasons, so the cause was concluded based on toxicology testing alone. Prior to her death, Trachtenberg had undergone a liver transplant and had been reported to struggle emotionally in the preceding year. Her passing came as a shock to fans and the entertainment community[citation].
At the 2025 Oscars, the "In Memoriam" segment did not include her, which upset many fans who felt she deserved recognition for her work in film and television[citation].
