Actress Michelle Trachtenberg, who died Wednesday at 39, went through a liver transplant “shortly” before her death according to the New York Post. The Gossip Girl star “may have been experiencing complications” from the transplant Page Six reported.
Trachtenberg, also known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 17 Again and Harriet the Spy, was found by her mother in her New York City apartment. At the time, she was “unconscious and unresponsive,” and her representative later confirmed her death to US Weekly.
Fans and followers had on occasions questioned Trachtenberg’s wellbeing over the years, but the star had not publicly addressed the transplant or any related health issues. She oftentimes asserted that she was “happy and healthy.”
Trachtenberg had, however, addressed her social media critics: “Explain to me how I look sick,” she commented last year under a photo she had shared of herself and her friend Alexa PenaVega, after a barrage of pointed comments speculating on her wellbeing. “Did you lose a calendar and not realize I’m not 14. I’m 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment.”
Many defended her, stating that “If she’s sick, that’s her business only and I’m sure she’s getting treated.”
A former co-star, Rosie O’Donnell, was among those speaking out about Trachtenberg’s tragic death on Wednesday, telling People that she “struggled in the last few years.”
“I wish I could have helped,” O’Donnell, who worked alongside Trachtenberg in Harriet the Spy, added, without not explaining what she meant by “struggled.”
In 2019, Trachtenberg was seen walking with a cane on several occasions, which she later said was due to a broken ankle.
Trachtenberg’s death is not being investigated as suspicious, and sources told The Post that she died of natural causes.
Most of her recent Instagram photos are throwbacks, but the actress posted a selfie only a week before her death. She captioned it “Eye of the Tiger.”
“I wish people would have given you more grace and were more kind to you while you were here, rest in peace dear,“ read one comment left today on the photo, amid an outpouring of condolences. ”May your next life be filled with such love and care my heart goes out to you and your family.”
