AceShowbiz - Michelle Trachtenberg passed away at the age of 39 due to complications related to diabetes, The Mirror reports. The actress was found unresponsive in her Midtown West Side apartment in New York City shortly before her death, and no foul play was suspected.

Justjared also detailed that the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner confirmed her death was natural, caused by complications from diabetes mellitus. They further revealed she had previously undergone a liver transplant. Meanwhile, Rosie O'Donnell spoke about Michelle Trachtenberg's declining health in the years before her passing, noting that despite attempts to reconnect, the actress was often unreachable and missed planned meetings. O'Donnell described her former co-star as struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol, and said she lost contact with her during those difficult times. O'Donnell even reached out to Michelle Trachtenberg's mother to better understand the length of her struggles. A friend also painted a picture of Michelle Trachtenberg's final years as reclusive, with the actress choosing to step away from Hollywood life.

Michelle Trachtenberg was best known for her role as Dawn Summers on the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2000-2003), a signature part of her career. She also starred in the 1996 film Harriet the Spy, where she appeared alongside Rosie O'Donnell. Her work spanned numerous TV shows including Six Feet Under, House, Weeds, and Gossip Girl, the latter featuring her final live-action role reprising Georgina Sparks in the show's recent reboot. Over her career, she accumulated 38 credits and garnered several award nominations, including Teen Choice and Saturn Awards.

This development underscores the tragic loss of a talented actress who battled serious health issues privately. Rosie O'Donnell’s reflections highlight how Michelle Trachtenberg's challenges with addiction and illness were difficult to openly address, echoing a pattern seen in other celebrities whose struggles remained largely unseen by the public until their untimely deaths. The story serves as a somber reminder of the often hidden battles faced behind the scenes in Hollywood.

This article is based on reporting originally published by Mirror.