"Everyone loved her" — Leighton Meester speaks about late Gossip Girl co-star Michelle Trachtenberg for the first time since the latter's death

Leighton Meester recently opened up about the death of late Gossip Girl co-star Michelle Trachtenberg for the first time. During her sit-down with Flaunt magazine for a cover story, the actress reflected on the show and its legacy.

Meester played Blair Waldorf, while Trachtenberg played troublemaker Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl during its run from 2007 to 2012. Discussing the lifelong friendships she formed on the show, the 39-year-old told the publication that Trachtenberg's passing was "devastating." She added:

"She was a wonderful, talented person, and everyone loved her. It’s very, very sad for everyone who knew her."

 

 

 

 

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Law enforcement officers found Michelle Trachtenberg "unconscious and unresponsive" in her Manhattan apartment after responding to a 911 call in February. Paramedics on the scene pronounced her dead. She was 39, the same age as Meester.

Michelle Trachtenberg passed away due to complications from diabetes

Reflecting on Michelle Trachtenberg's passing, Leighton Meester told Flaunt magazine:

"Now, I can see that (the show’s legacy) continues—in some ways, even more so than back then—to live on, which is incredible."

Elsewhere in the interview, Meester noted how the show's success shot its cast into stardom. The actress explained that she never "prepared (for)" or "understood" fame.

"There was so much in my personal life coloring how I felt about that point in time that had nothing to do with my work or career," Leighton recalled.

In a press conference last month, NYC's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner revealed Michelle passed away due to complications from diabetes. The announcement came two months after her passing, as the actress's family objected to an autopsy on religious grounds. As there was no evidence of foul play, the ME's office honored the request.

Hence, initially, the cause of death was ruled as "undetermined." However, following a toxicology exam, the ME deemed her death natural, reported People magazine. A representative for the ME's office told the outlet that the test was done without any post-mortem autopsy.

Leighton Meester was not the only Gossip Girl alum to speak on Michelle Trachtenberg's passing. Chace Crawford, who played Nate Archibald; Ed Westwick, who played Chuck Bass; Penn Badgley, who played Dan Humphrey; and Blake Lively, who played Serena van der Woodsen, all paid tribute to the late actress.

 

 

 

 

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In February, Crawford took to his Instagram to call Trachtenberg "one of a kind" and a "force of nature" who was "unapologetically funny and magnetic." He noted that it was a "terrible loss." Meanwhile, Westwick shared an IG story expressing his condolences to her family.

During the season five premiere of You, Badgley noted Michelle Trachtenberg's sudden passing was "really surreal" and "really saddening." Talking to E! News in April, he stated:

"What I remember of her is she was incredibly quick to laugh. She was really joyous. We all have our ups and downs, our lights and shadows, but she had this—I mean, she was mature, but she had this childlike, joyous laugh."

He pointed out that they hadn't crossed paths in almost a decade, but he remembered her having a "really pure heart."

In her Instagram story tribute, Blake Livey noted Trachtenberg was "fiercely loyal," "bold," and "distinctly herself."