Thirty-nine-year-old actress Michelle Trachtenberg, known for her roles in *Buffy the Vampire Slayer* and *Gossip Girl*, passed away in February in her New York City apartment. The New York City medical examiner’s office determined her death was a natural result of complications from diabetes. No autopsy was conducted, but toxicology reports confirmed the cause of death. Trachtenberg was found unresponsive in her home.
Fourteen members of a religious sect in Australia were found guilty of manslaughter for the death of an 8-year-old girl, Elizabeth Struhs, who died from diabetic ketoacidosis. The group, rejecting medical treatment due to their belief in divine healing, withheld insulin despite the child’s deteriorating condition over six days. Justice Martin Burns stated that Elizabeth’s death was inevitable due to this refusal of medical care, finding the 14 defendants guilty despite their unwavering faith in God’s intervention. The sentencing is scheduled for February 11.
John Q. Hosedrinker