Michelle Trachtenberg's cause of death aged 39 'undetermined' as family declines autopsy

The cause of death for actress Michelle Trachtenberg has been ruled "undetermined" by the New York City Medical Examiner, according to an agency spokesperson.

Trachtenberg, whose memorable projects included roles in Harriet the Spy and Gossip Girl, died on Wednesday in Manhattan (Thursday in Australia). She was 39.

Her family declined an autopsy and because Trachtenberg's death was not deemed suspicious by law enforcement, and the medical examiner's office honoured that request, the spokesperson said.

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An NYPD source told CNN this week that Trachtenberg reportedly had a recent medical issue and that her death appeared to be related to natural causes.

"The family requests privacy for their loss," a representative for Trachtenberg told CNN in a statement on Wednesday (Thursday in Australia).

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"There are no further details at this time," the statement concluded.

Trachtenberg rose to fame as a precocious child star and went on to have memorable roles on several series including Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Gossip Girl, on which she played one of the most edgy roles of her career as a villainous foe named Georgina Sparks.

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Tributes have poured in from her friends and former co-stars since her passing, including from Buffy star Sarah Michelle Gellar and Gossip Girl star Blake Lively.

"She was electricity. You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed," Lively wrote in an Instagram Story, adding "She was a kind person, through and through."

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