Michelle Trachtenberg's cause of death will not be released ... because the beloved actress' family has turned down an autopsy.
via: Page Six
“Under public health law, families may object to autopsy based on religious belief, and provided there is no suspicion of criminality or compelling public health reason to proceed with autopsy, the medical examiner honors the objection,” a rep for the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in New York told us.
While the city medical examiner’s office conducted an external examination on the beloved actress, who starred in 1996’s “Harriet the Spy,” it’s unlikely any further testing will be done.
Both the cause and manner of her death will be listed as “undetermined” on her death certificate.
Trachtenberg was found dead in her New York City apartment at One Columbus Place in Columbus Circle around 8 a.m. on Feb. 26 after going into cardiac arrest, sources previously told The Post. She was 39.
We were told at the time that the actress’ mother, Lana Trachtenberg, was who discovered the body.
The New York Police Department said Michelle was “unconscious and unresponsive” when officers and paramedics arrived. She was pronounced dead on the scene.
Police did not investigate Michelle’s death as suspicious, according to sources. It appears the “Gossip Girl” had been quietly dealing with some health issues.
Sources said Michelle underwent a liver transplant just before her death. However, the actress never spoke out about the surgery in the press or on social media.
The “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” alum actually hit back at those who speculated about her wellbeing online.
Michelle first sparked concern in January 2024 when she posted a series of selfies that showcased a much different appearance than the one fans had grown familiar with while watching her various TV and film projects.
“Explain to me how I look sick,” the “EuroTrip” star said in defense of her looks at the time. “Did you lose a calendar and not realize I’m not 14. I’m 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment.”
However, when people tried to explain to Michelle that they were just worried because her hair was thinner and her eyes had a yellowish tint, she dismissed them as “haters.”
“I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery I am happy and healthy. Check yourself haters,” the “Ice Princess” star wrote on Instagram.
She added in a separate post at the time, “Fun fact. This is my face. Not malnutrition no problems. Why do you have you hate? Get a calendar.”
Leading up to her death, Michelle posted mostly throwback photos of herself, reminiscing on past red carpet looks. However, a week before she died, she posted a more current selfie.
The “17 Again” star, who was born in New York City and had been acting since the age of 3, captioned the close-up image of herself, “Eye of the Tiger.”
Michelle was survived by her mother and father, Michael Trachtenberg. She had also been in a longterm relationship with talent agent Jay Cohen. He did not immediately return Page Six’s request for comment.
In other Michelle news, her Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-star Sarah Michelle Gellar has paid tribute to her Buffy The Vampire Slayer costar Michelle Trachtenberg after she died at 39.
The veteran actress took to Instagram on Thursday morning, the day after news broke that Michelle had passed after poor health from a liver transplant.
'Michelle, listen to me. Listen. I love you. I will always love you. The hardest thing in this world, is to live in it. I will be brave. I will live… for you,' said Gellar.
Pal Jessica Alba wrote in the comments section, 'I'm so sorry.'
There were several images of Sarah and Michelle. Some were candid and some were from their show Buffy.
One included the late Shannen Doherty.
This comes after James Marsters paid a heartfelt tribute to Trachtenberg.
The 62-year-old actor has hailed his 'very talented' former co-star, who passed away on Wednesday.
James - who starred alongside the actress on Buffy the Vampire Slayer - told PEOPLE: 'My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul.
'Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her.
'My heart goes out to her family who are good people, and are suffering the greatest loss anyone could bear. I hope everyone can give them space to heal in this most difficult time.
'Godspeed Michelle. You are missed.'
Michelle's Gossip Girl costar Chace Crawford shared: 'Michelle was one of a kind. I remember her coming on set for the first time and just absolutely owning it. She was a force of nature and just so so unapologetically funny and magnetic.. remembering those years with a big smile. Just a terrible loss. Love you ❤️.'
Meanwhile, Melissa Joan Heart has taken to social media to share a scene that they filmed together for Clarissa Explains It All.
The 48-year-old actress - who played the lead role on the teen sitcom - wrote: 'I'm heartbroken to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg!! So young, so talented and so sweet!
'Here is a fun scene from when she was on #ClarissaExplainsItAll. I think this was about 1992 and the episode was an idea I had about babysitting a total nightmare.
'But Michelle was nothing like her character and even this young, we got along wonderfully. (sic)'
Trachtenberg - who was best known for starring on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl - was found dead inside her Manhattan apartment on Wednesday.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has confirmed to PEOPLE that it responded to a 911 call at 1 Columbus Place in New York City.
The NYPD added: 'Upon arrival, officers observed a 39-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive.
EMS responded to the location and pronounced the victim deceased. Criminality is not suspected.'
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