Amanda de Cadenet says Michelle Trachtenberg called her from a “hospital bed” before her death at age 39.
The podcaster, 52, took to Instagram on Wednesday, February 26, to post a photo she’d taken of Trachtenberg when she was younger and mourn the loss of her longtime friend.
“What sad news this morning to wake up to,” de Cadenet wrote in a caption. “It feels weird and awful to be posting this, but I want to acknowledge your death because I cared about you. I will always remember you as the young vivacious woman I met when I took this photo of you … and seeing your face from the hospital bed when we FaceTimed recently, even though you did not look like you, your sweetness and humor were still alive. I’m so sad for you that the outcome was not a better one. Wishing you a peaceful transition sweet friend and may your spirit finally rest.”
Police sources confirmed to Us Weekly earlier on Wednesday that Trachtenberg was found unconscious inside her New York City apartment. No cause of death has been reported, and the incident is not believed to be suspicious.
Stars React to Michelle Trachtenberg’s Death at Age 39
Trachtenberg’s representative later addressed the news in a statement, telling Us on Wednesday, “It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away. The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time.”
Recently, Trachtenberg had a liver transplant, multiple sources told Us.
The tragedy sparked an outpouring of tributes from the actress’ famous friends and loyal fans.
“She was electricity,” Blake Lively, who costarred with Trachtenberg on Gossip Girl, stated via Instagram on Wednesday. “You knew when she entered a room because the vibration changed. Everything she did, she did 200%. She laughed the fullest at someone’s joke, she faced authority head on when she felt something was wrong, she cared deeply about her work, she was proud to be a part of this community and industry as painful as it could be sometimes, she was fiercely loyal to her friends and brave for those she loved, she was big and bold and distinctly herself.”
Michelle Trachtenberg’s Neighbors Reflect on the Actress’ Final Months
Prior to appearing on The CW series, Trachtenberg played Dawn Summers on the last two seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
“My heart is heavy today. We have lost a beautiful soul,” James Marsters, who portrayed Spike on the series, wrote via Instagram. “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. … Godspeed Michelle. You are missed.”
