Michelle Trachtenberg looked ‘pale and gaunt’ last year as insiders reveal her past struggles with health

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Michelle Trachtenberg’s sudden death at 39 has left many in shock, but those close to her say she had been struggling long before her tragic death.

A source tells PEOPLE that the 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Gossip Girl' actress was facing serious health challenges and emotional hardships in the year leading up to her death.

Michelle Trachtenberg’s final year

Michelle Trachtenberg had been "really down emotionally" and facing significant "health issues," a source revealed. According to the source, Trachtenberg "told friends she was struggling," adding, "She was really, really sick and open with those in her circle about how much she was struggling."

Trachtenberg reportedly appeared frail in recent months, with the source describing her as “pale, gaunt, and very thin.”

On the morning of February 26, New York police responded to a 911 call at her Manhattan residence. Officers found her unconscious, and EMS later pronounced her dead at the scene, the NYPD confirmed to PEOPLE. "Upon arrival, officers observed a 39-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive. EMS responded to the location and pronounced the victim deceased. Criminality is not suspected." 

The NYPD has stated that no foul play is suspected, but the investigation remains open.

Reports have surfaced that Trachtenberg recently underwent a liver transplant, which may have led to complications. According to Radar Online, it was her mother who discovered her in her apartment, a tragic and heartbreaking moment for the family.

Trachtenberg had not publicly shared any details about her health struggles, though, in early 2024, she responded to online speculation about her appearance.

"Fun fact. This is my face," she wrote on Instagram after fans questioned her health. "Not malnutrition, no problems. Why do you have to hate? Get a calendar."

Trachtenberg's career, which began with childhood roles in 'Harriet the Spy' and 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', spanned decades. She gained widespread fame as Georgina Sparks in 'Gossip Girl', a role she briefly reprised in 2023 marking her final on-screen appearance.

Fans mourn Michelle Trachtenberg's death as reports reveal she was 'struggling'

The sudden death of actress Michelle Trachtenberg has left fans devastated, with many expressing their condolences and sharing memories of her work.

One fan wrote, "Far too young to have passed. Prayers to her friends and family. RIP."

Another added, "That's sad she was such a beauty and a good actress! My condolences!"

While official details remain limited, reports suggest Trachtenberg may have been struggling with health complications before her death. Some users pointed to past discussions about her appearance, with one commenting, "I remember people making harsh comments about her appearance, claiming it was cosmetic or drug-related. I kept saying it could be medical—and now look what happened. People are still being cruel. How sad."

One user stated, "She had a liver transplant last year. Her body rejected it. So tragic and sad."

Another added, "All those cruel comments about her show y’all learned nothing from what happened with Chadwick Boseman. And I hope we don’t repeat with Ariana."

"I'm so sorry her mother had to be the one to find her. What an awful thing to happen. My heart goes out to all who loved her," a user said, while another commented, "Sadly, looking back at her posts, she has had something going on for the last 5 years. RIP Ice Princess. One of my favorite actresses."

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