UPDATE: |Gossip Girl star Michelle Trachtenberg’s official cause of death at 39 confirmed News

The actress died in February at the age of 39

Michelle Trachtenberg’s official cause of death has been revealed.

The former Gossip Girl actress died in February at the age of 39, and it has now been confirmed that she passed away as a result of complications of diabetes mellitus.

A spokesperson for the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner told PEOPLE: “The amended determination was made following review of toxicology testing results. Toxicology testing can be done without autopsy.”

According to the outlet, the manner of death was ruled as “natural”.

Diabetes mellitus, more commonly known as diabetes, is a chronic condition where blood sugar levels are too high and the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.

In recent years, Trachtenberg’s fans have expressed concern about her health on social media and in 2024, the ‘Harriet the Spy’ star actually took to social media to explain her gaunt appearance.

In response to a question about her health, Trachtenberg replied: “@cathy_critz explain to me how I look sick. Did you lose a calendar and not realize I’m not 14? I’m 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment. (sic)”

Trachtenberg subsequently shared a selfie and insisted that she was feeling “happy and healthy”.

The actress captioned the image: “I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery. I am happy and healthy. Check yourself haters. (sic)”

Trachtenberg was just nine-years-old when she found fame, appearing in the classic 1990s Nickelodeon series The Adventures of Pete and Pete, in which she played Nona F. Mecklenberg.

She won over fans as a child star, playing Harriet the Spy – before landing roles and acting as recently as 2024.

But it was in 2000, the actress joined the cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Dawn Summers. And between 2008 and 2012, Trachtenberg played Georgina Sparks on the hit teen drama series Gossip Girl.