Michelle Trachtenberg's cause of death ruled 'undetermined' after her family objects to autopsy

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Michelle Trachtenberg’s death was ruled “undetermined” on Thursday morning, February 27, after her family objected to an autopsy, according to a spokeswoman for the city medical examiner’s office.

The office said it is obligated to honor the family’s request due to the state’s public health law, limiting the medical examiner to conducting only an external examination, according to the New York Post.

Michelle Trachtenberg was found unresponsive in Manhattan apartment

Michelle Trachtenberg was discovered dead by her mother at around 8 am on Wednesday, February 26, at One Columbus Place, a 51-story luxury apartment complex in Manhattan’s Central Park South neighborhood.

Emergency medical services declared her dead at the scene and officials stated that her death is not considered suspicious. Her death certificate now officially states "undetermined" as both cause and manner.

Michelle Trachtenberg's health struggles and public speculation

Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in 'Harriet the Spy,' 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' and 'Gossip Girl', had undergone a liver transplant within the last year.

Sources indicate her body may have rejected the organ, but no further investigation will be conducted due to the family’s wishes.

In recent months, Trachtenberg sparked health concerns among her fans.

Some of her 800,000 Instagram followers had commented on her frail appearance, but she dismissed speculation about her condition.

On February 20, she was spotted dining at a well-known New York City restaurant, TMZ reported.

Michelle Trachtenberg's close friend speaks out

Photographer and media personality Amanda de Cadenet, a close friend of Michelle Trachtenberg, claimed in an Instagram post on Wednesday evening, February 26, that the actress had recently been hospitalized and was aware that she had a "high" chance of dying.

“I will not share the details of our conversations over the last six months,” de Cadenet wrote, before adding, “But you knew that death was a high possibility and I am only sorry that the outcome was not a better one.”

The post was later edited to omit those details.

Michelle Trachtenberg's co-stars pay heartfelt tributes after her untimely death

Michelle Trachtenberg’s untimely death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from her former colleagues.

Trachtenberg's 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' co-star James Marsters, who played Spike, said, “We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person."

"She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her,” he told the New York Post.

Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played the titular Buffy Summers, also shared a heartfelt Instagram post, quoting a memorable moment from the show.

“Michelle, listen to me, 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,” said Gellar.