Michelle Trachtenberg's Family Against Autopsy, Leaving Cause Of Death A Mystery

There will be no further investigations into Michelle Trachtenberg's cause of death unless her family changes their mind.

As tributes continue to pour in for the late actress, her loved ones appear ready to close the chapter on her demise. Sources recently claimed her family had objected to an autopsy, bringing an end to investigation into her official cause of death.

Michelle Trachtenberg passed away on Wednesday, February 26, a year after sparking concerns about her well-being. She was survived by her mother and father, Lana and Michael Trachtenberg.

According to recent reports, Trachtenberg's cause of death was ruled "undetermined" after her family objected to an autopsy. A rep for the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in New York noted this was allowed under certain circumstances, saying:

"Under public health law, families may object to an autopsy based on religious belief, and provided there is no suspicion of criminality or compelling public health reason to proceed with the autopsy, the medical examiner honors the objection."

On that note, there might be no further tests or examinations done on Trachtenberg's body regarding her cause of death.

Page Six shared that the city medical examiner's office had conducted an external examination on the deceased. However, both the cause and manner of her death will be listed as "undetermined" on her death certificate.

According to the outlet, Trachtenberg was found dead in her New York City apartment at One Columbus Place in Columbus Circle around 8 a.m. on Wednesday. Her body was reportedly discovered by her mother, with sources noting the entertainer had gone into cardiac arrest.

Meanwhile, the New York Police Department noted Trachtenberg was found "unconscious and unresponsive" when officers and paramedics arrived. She was pronounced dead on the scene, marking the end of her life at 39.

As for the initial investigation into Trachtenberg's passing, insiders claimed authorities did not examine her death as suspicious, according to sources. They alleged the "EuroTrip" star had been battling health issues quietly.

Without an official cause of death, the factors involved in Trachtenberg’s passing cannot be determined. However, sources alleged she faced some health problems, noting she underwent a liver transplant shortly before her demise.

These claims have not been confirmed, as the actress never spoke about any illness or surgery publicly. Instead, when concerns about her health went viral last year, she vehemently clapped back against worried fans, labeling them "haters."

The drama occurred in January 2024 when Trachtenberg shared a series of selfies that looked significantly different from the features fans had grown to love on TV. These commenters wondered if she was sick, pointing out her thinning hair and the yellowish tint in her eyes.

As stated, the actress did not handle the comments well, writing, "Explain to me how I look sick. Did you lose a calendar and not realize I’m not 14. I’m 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment.” In a separate post, she stressed that she was not malnourished and slammed fans for hating her natural features.

Trachtenberg's passing sparked a wave of touching tributes and trips down memory lane as loved ones honored her memory. The Blast shared that the actress's "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" co-star, Sarah Michelle Gellar, reflected on their time together on Instagram.

The actress, best known for playing the titular character, shared several shots from the pair's time on the hit TV show. The pictures captured her bond with Trachtenberg, on and off set, from silly moments to posing at events and sharing plenty of warm embraces.

Gellar captioned the emotional carousel with a line from the show's fifth season, writing: "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."

Other celebrities who honored Trachtenberg include Rosie O'Donnell, who starred alongside the late entertainer in the 1996 film "Harriet the Spy." The movie marked the deceased's debut on the big screen at 10, but her former co-star wished she had done more for the adult Trachtenberg.

"I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped," O'Donnell lamented. Another co-star from the same movie, J. Smith-Cameron, reflected on Trachtenberg's vibrant spirit on set and expressed fondness for their shared memories.

Trachtenberg's death comes four years after she dropped bombshell allegations against Joss Whedon, the creator of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."She claimed there was a rule on set that forbade him from being alone with her. However, she refused to share the reasons behind this rule or who had enforced it.

Michelle Trachtenberg's cause of death may remain a mystery forever, but that does not overshadow the love and loss many feel right now.