Actress Michelle Trachtenberg’s sudden death at 39 has raised questions about the investigation into her cause of death. According to reports, Trachtenberg’s family declined an autopsy, citing religious reasons that align with traditional Jewish law. As a practicing Jew, Trachtenberg’s body is being prepared for burial in accordance with Jewish customs, which require rapid burial and minimal handling of the body.
In Judaism, desecration of the dead is forbidden, making autopsies complicated. Jewish authorities have weighed in on the issue, suggesting that autopsies may be permissible in certain circumstances, such as aiding in a murder investigation or advancing medical knowledge. However, these exceptions are not relevant in Trachtenberg’s case.
New York state typically requires an autopsy when foul play is suspected, but there was no evidence of criminal activity. The decision to forego an autopsy rests with the next of kin, and in this instance, it was made by Trachtenberg’s parents. Without an autopsy, her cause of death will be officially recorded as undetermined due to the recent liver transplant she received.
Source: https://www.jpost.com/omg/article-844189