In news that has the internet collectively saying, “Wait, WHAT?! Michelle Trachtenberg?!” — the official cause of the beloved actress’s death has finally been revealed, and no, it wasn’t because she was smothered by nostalgia from rewatching Buffy the Vampire Slayer for the 87th time (though, honestly, relatable).
Earlier this year, Michelle was found unresponsive in her NYC apartment on February 26th — a date that shall now forever be known as “the day our collective millennial hearts cracked.” At the time, her family said, “Nope, no autopsy, thanks,” which left the cause of death floating in limbo like a ghost who forgot how it got there.
But now, the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (basically the Sherlock Holmes of the medical world) has done their CSI thing and revealed that Michelle passed away from natural complications due to diabetes mellitus. Translation: her body decided to rage-quit due to diabetes-related issues. Absolutely tragic.
No foul play was involved — just Mother Nature being her usual chaotic self. Prior to her passing, it was also reported that Michelle had undergone a liver transplant, which, unfortunately, wasn’t enough to turn things around.
While this is undeniably sad, let’s take a moment to celebrate the quirky, talented, scene-stealing icon Michelle was — from Harriet the Spy to Gossip Girl, she served main character energy before we even had a name for it.
Sending all the good vibes, virtual hugs, and XL-sized boxes of tissues to her family, friends, and fans. Rest in peace, Michelle — you were, are, and always will be, a legend.
