Michelle Trachtenberg Underwent Liver Transplant Months Before Death
More details about Michelle Trachtenberg's final days are being uncovered.
In the months leading up to her passing, the Gossip Girl alum underwent a liver transplant, or the surgical procedure where a diseased or damaged liver is replaced with a healthy liver from a donor, according to multiple outlets.
Police sources also told ABC News that she "may have been experiencing complications" due to the surgery, which is usually performed as a way to treat people with chronic conditions including hepatitis B and C, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NALD) and alcohol-related liver disease, per Mayo Clinic.
Possible complications from liver transplants include blood clots or other blood vesel issues and failure of the donated liver, as well as chest, urine and abdominal infections, according to NHS Blood and Transplant.
However, there is no foul play or "criminality" suspected in Trachtenberg's death at this time, the New York Police Department confirmed to E! News Feb. 26.
"The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death," the NYPD added in its statement. "The investigation remains ongoing."
Trachtenberg was found "unconscious and unresponsive" by emergency medical services (EMS) in her New York City apartment on Feb. 26 after police responded to a 911 call around 8 a.m. local time. Her mother was the one to phone for help, multiple sources told ABC News.
Shortly after the officers' arrival, EMS pronounced Trachtenberg dead. She was 39.
In the wake of her passing, the Harriet the Spy star's rep spoke out to ask for privacy for her family and loved ones during the challenging time.
"The family requests privacy for their loss," her rep's statement to E! read. "There are no further details at this time.”
Additionally, many of her costars and friends shared heartfelt tributes to Trachtenberg, who most recently reprised her Gossip Girl role as Georgina Sparks in the show's 2022 reboot.
"So sad to hear of the passing of @MichelleTrachtenberg," Ed Westwick—who starred in Gossip Girl as Chuck Bass alongside the actress—wrote in a Feb. 26 Instagram Story. "Sending prayers."
And Trachtenberg's Buffy the Vampire Slayer castmate James Marsters echoed that sentiment, saying, "We have lost a beautiful soul."
"Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person," he continued in his Feb. 26 Instagram. "She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her."
To see more stars' reactions to Trachtenberg's untimely passing, keep reading.
"Michelle was one of a kind," the Gossip Girl alum wrote. "I remember her coming on set for the first time and just absolutely owning it. She was a force of nature and just so so unapologetically funny and magnetic.. remembering those years with a big smile. Just a terrible loss. Love you."
"My heart is heavy today," the Buffy the Vampire Slayer wrote on Instagram. "We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her."
James continued, "My heart goes out to her family who are good people, and are suffering the greatest loss anyone could bear. I hope everyone can give them space to heal in this most difficult time. Godspeed Michelle. You are missed."
The Sex and the City alum wrote of her Ice Princess costar, "Rest in peace sweet Michelle."
The Nickelodeon star wrote of his fellow alum, "Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! Check on your people!!!"
Michelle's Harriet the Spy costar told Us Weekly, "Heartbreaking. I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped.”
"I'm so sorry your bright light died so young," she wrote of her former costar. "Our Buffy family lost a little sister today... Rest in peace lovely Mish Mish. You were loved."
Michelle's ex-boyfriend, whom she dated between 2004 and 2006, penned a tribute on social media.
"Incredibly sad to hear about Michelle’s passing," he wrote. "She was an incredible person and I will always remember the years we spent together fondly. She was loving, quirky and would never pass up a law and order SVU marathon:)"
He added, "My condolences to her mother Lana and sister Irene! This is an incredible loss!"
The Halloweentown alum expressed her grief with a simple broken heart emoji.
"I'm heartbroken to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg," Melissa wrote on Instagram, alognside a throwback clip from Clarissa Explains It All. "So young, so talented and so sweet!"
She added of the clip, "I think this was about 1992 and the episode was an idea I had about babysitting a total nightmare. But Michelle was nothing like her character and even this young, we got along wonderfully."
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Michelle’s passing," the Gossip Girl creators and showrunners shared with NBC News. "Michelle was so funny, kind, and talented. Her portrayal of Georgina Sparks was an iconic fan favorite, and grew from a one season villain to a beloved character who returned over the course of six seasons."
The pair continued, "She was a delight to have on set and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with her family.”
"Oh Michy…," Melissa wrote on Instagram in tribute to her A Holiday for Love costar. "And we lived so close to one another…..my heart aches for your family and all those who loved you so… @michelletrachtenberg #ripsweetgirl"
"So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg," the Gossip Girl alum wrote on his Feb. 25 Instagram Story. "Sending prayers."
He closed his message with the praying hands and white heart emojis.
"So very sad..." Michelle's Buffy The Vampire Slayer costar wrote on social media of her passing. "Horrible News. RIP and prayers to her and her family."
The Gossip Girl alum—who played Damien Dalgaard in the teen drama—described Michelle's passing a "loss."
"Michelle was tough and a force," he added in his Instagram post. "Just a kid, so sad."
The Angel alum offered his support to those closest to the actress, writing on Instgram, "My heart goes out to her family and loved ones. What a beautiful spirit who left an amazing legacy… Rest In Peace, dear one."
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