Rosie O'Donnell has stated that Michelle Trachtenberg, who died in February 2025 at age 39, was struggling with drug and alcohol addiction prior to her death.
Trachtenberg, known for her roles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Gossip Girl," was found dead in her New York City apartment. Police sources had initially reported that the actress had recently undergone a liver transplant following issues with alcohol, and may have been experiencing complications. The New York City's Office of Chief Medical Examiner later confirmed her cause of death was complications from diabetes mellitus.
O'Donnell, 64, who acted alongside Trachtenberg in the 1996 film "Harriet the Spy," described the actress's death as a "tragedy." O'Donnell told Variety that Trachtenberg was in "pretty bad shape" during their final conversations.
According to O'Donnell, Trachtenberg "got into drugs and alcohol" before they lost touch. In the years leading up to her death, Trachtenberg would occasionally contact O'Donnell, but O'Donnell claimed the actress frequently missed planned meetings. "We were supposed to see each other three or four times, and she just never showed up," O'Donnell said. "She was not in good shape."
Trachtenberg's spokesman confirmed her passing at the time, stating, "It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time."
Her death occurred months after she had drawn attention for her noticeably frail appearance in social media photos. Medical examiners cited lab results in their determination of her cause of death. It was not immediately clear if Trachtenberg had type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Prior to her death, Trachtenberg underwent a liver transplant, a procedure often necessitated by severe liver issues, sometimes stemming from prolonged alcohol use. The medical examiner classified Trachtenberg's death as 'natural.'
Trachtenberg, who began her career as a child performer, gained widespread recognition for her roles as Dawn Summers in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (2000-2003) and Georgina Sparks in "Gossip Girl" (2008-2012). She was discovered in her Manhattan apartment by her mother, Lana.