Michelle Trachtenberg was ‘rattled’ by Matthew Perry’s death, feared she too would die young

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Michelle Trachtenberg, beloved for her roles in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and 'Gossip Girl,' tragically died at just 39 years of age.

Her sudden death in New York City came a little over a year after the loss of her '17 Again' co-star, Matthew Perry, whose death deeply affected her.

Michelle Trachtenberg was haunted by Matthew Perry’s death

According to sources, Michelle Trachtenberg was deeply shaken when Matthew Perry was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home in October 2023. His sudden death at 54 was a shock to many, but it hit especially hard for Trachtenberg.

"Michelle was really rattled when Matthew died because she did not expect it,” an insider told the Daily Mail.

“Even though he was troubled and struggled to stay sober, she just did not think it would happen. And she was devastated. It was hard for her because she knew Matthew when she was so young, he made an impression on her," they said.

Trachtenberg and Perry's connection stemmed from their time working together on '17 Again', the 2009 comedy that also starred Zac Efron, Leslie Mann, and Melora Hardin. Trachtenberg played Maggie O’Donnell, the daughter of Perry’s character, Mike O’Donnell.

Perry’s death served as a grim reminder for Trachtenberg—one that reportedly left her fearful about her own fate.

“It made her think that death could happen to anyone struggling with addiction. Like it was just around the corner if she was not careful,” the source added.

Michelle Trachtenberg's health struggles and fears of dying young

Tragically, Michelle Trachtenberg's fears weren’t unfounded. The actress, who had recently undergone a liver transplant, reportedly confided in those close to her about her concerns.

"Matthew's death was on her mind frequently," the insider revealed.

"So when she went in for surgery for her liver, she thought she might be next. She had expressed that she feared she would die after signing all those releases at the hospital—you know, all those 'in the event that you die' papers that freak everyone out," they added.

According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately 7 in 100 people die within a year of receiving a liver transplant, with the highest risk in the first six months. Causes of death range from infection and cardiovascular disease to complications from the procedure itself.

While Trachtenberg had been battling health issues, she had also been fighting against public scrutiny. Fans had speculated about her wellbeing in recent years—particularly regarding her noticeably gaunt appearance.

Last year, she clapped back at the speculation on social media. “Explain to me how I look sick. Did you lose a calendar and not realize I'm not 14? I'm 38. How sad for you to leave such a comment,” she responded to a fan questioning her appearance.

Later, she shared a selfie, shutting down rumors and insisting she was “happy and healthy".

She wrote, "I've received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery. I am happy and healthy. Check yourself, haters."

Michelle Trachtenberg’s sudden death and legacy

Michelle Trachtenberg was found unresponsive in her Manhattan apartment on Wednesday, February 26.

The New York Police Department confirmed that they responded to a 911 call at 1 Columbus Place, where officers discovered the actress unconscious. Emergency medical personnel pronounced her dead at the scene.

"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 added.

Her death is not being treated as suspicious, though sources said it came after her recent liver transplant.

It is a heartbreaking loss for fans who grew up watching her on television.

She first captured hearts as a child star in commercials and on 'The Adventures of Pete and Pete' before breaking out as Dawn Summers in 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' in 2000. She later became a fan favorite as the scheming Georgina Sparks on 'Gossip Girl', a role she played from 2008 to 2012.