Leighton Meester is still grappling with the profound loss of Michelle Trachtenberg. The former 'Gossip Girl' star opened her heart about the passing of her once co-star, confessing that the news struck her with immense force, given that she shares the same age with Trachtenberg, who sadly succumbed to complications arising from diabetes mellitus at the age of 39 in February. "It's heart-wrenching," Meester revealed in her recent cover story for Flaunt. "She was an extraordinary, gifted individual, beloved by all. Her departure leaves a profound sorrow in the hearts of everyone who knew her." Reflecting on 'Gossip Girl,' which spanned six seasons from 2007 to 2012, Meester further mused that she now perceives how the show's impact "persists—in some instances, even more so than during its heyday—continuing to thrive, which is nothing short of amazing."
This sentiment was echoed by fellow cast member Penn Badgley, who told E! News in April that Trachtenberg's demise felt "surprisingly surreal and deeply saddening." "What stands out to me about her is her infectious laughter," the 38-year-old reminisced. "She was truly radiant with joy."
As for Blake Lively, she will forever cherish Trachtenberg's "electric presence." "Her arrival in a room was unmistakable; the ambiance shifted," the 'It Ends With Us' actress penned on Instagram Stories in February. "She laughed wholeheartedly at jokes, confronted authority head-on when she deemed something amiss, poured her heart into her work, took pride in being part of this community and industry despite its challenges, was unwaveringly loyal to her friends, and courageous for those she loved. She was larger than life, bold, and unmistakably herself."
