The cause of death of actress Michelle Trachtenberg will reportedly remain 'undetermined' after her family opted out of an autopsy due to 'religious reasons'.
The Office of Chief Medical Examiner in New York City, where the 39-year-old actress was found dead, stated that both the cause and manner of death remain 'undetermined'. This classification is used when there is either insufficient information to determine the cause or conflicting evidence regarding the manner of death, such as accident, suicide, or homicide.
The family's decision not to proceed was reportedly not challenged by the medical examiner as no foul play was suspected.
Trachtenberg was discovered unresponsive in her New York City apartment by her mother. Reports indicate she had recently undergone a liver transplant, though it remains unclear whether it played a role in her passing.
In a statement following her demise, the family said, "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."
Trachtenberg was known for her roles in 'Gossip Girl', 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', and films such as 'Harriet the Spy', '17 Again', 'Mysterious Skin', and 'EuroTrip'. Sarah Michelle Gellar, Taylor Momsen and Blake Lively were among the many stars who paid tribute to the beauty who died Wednesday.
Police responded to a 911 call shortly after 8 am at a 51-story luxury apartment tower in Manhattan's Hell's Kitchen neighbourhood where officers found Trachtenberg "unconscious and unresponsive", according to an NYPD statement.
Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.
