US actress Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, died of natural causes related to diabetes at the age of 39. The New York City medical examiner's office confirmed her cause of death after toxicology tests. Trachtenberg's family objected to an autopsy for religious reasons, and the medical examiner respected their wishes due to no signs of foul play. The actress had received a liver transplant before her death, and her sudden passing shocked fans and fellow actors who paid tribute to her talent and personality.