Buffy actress Michelle Trachtenberg died from diabetes complications

Buffy the Vampire star Michelle Trachtenberg died from complications caused by diabetes, according to New York City’s medical examiner.

The 39-year-old actress, also known for starring in Gossip Girl, was found unconscious and unresponsive in her home in Manhattan in February.

Officials at the time said no foul play was suspected, and the medical examiner’s office had listed her death as “undetermined”.

Trachtenberg’s family had objected to an autopsy, which the medical examiner’s office honoured because there was no evidence of criminality.

Michelle Trachtenberg and Sarah Michelle Gellar starred in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. / Credit: 20th Century Fox/Everett Collection via CNN Newsource

Toxicology tests determined Trachtenberg’s cause of death as a result of complications from diabetes.

Her representative didn’t immediately respond to an email from the Associated Press seeking comment Wednesday.

Trachtenberg’s sudden death shocked her fans, and several celebrities who worked with the actress paid tribute.

Sarah Michelle Gellar, Taylor Momsen and Blake Lively were among those who paid tribute.

Trachtenberg was eight years old when she began playing Nona Mecklenberg on Nickelodeon’s The Adventures of Pete & Pete from 1994 to 1996 and then starred in the title role in the film adaptations of Harriet the Spy and Inspector Gadget, opposite Matthew Broderick.

In 2000, Trachtenberg joined the cast of Buffy, playing Dawn Summers, the younger sister of the title character played by Gellar between 2000 and 2003.

Trachtenberg went on to recurring roles on Six Feet Under, Weeds and Gossip Girl, where she played the gang’s scheming nemesis, Georgina Sparks. She was one of the original series’ stars to return for a pair of guest appearances in the 2021 Gossip Girl revival.

Trachtenberg’s later credits included the 2004 teen sex comedy EuroTrip and 2009’s 17 Again with Zac Efron and Leslie Mann.