The Gossip Girl fandom is reeling after the tragic news of Michelle Trachtenberg’s death at just 39 years old. In a recent Leighton Meester tribute, the actress opened up about her heartbreak over the loss of her former co-star, calling it “devastating.”

Meester, who famously played Blair Waldorf on the iconic teen drama, shared her thoughts with Flaunt Magazine, saying, “She was a wonderful, talented person, and everyone loved her. It’s very, very sad for everyone who knew her.”

Gossip Girl Actress Leighton Meester Opens Up About Michelle Trachtenberg's Tragic Death

Trachtenberg, who brought the unforgettable Georgina Sparks to life on Gossip Girl, was found dead in her New York City apartment earlier this year. 

The Michelle Trachtenberg obituary, later confirmed by the NYC medical examiner’s office, revealed that she passed away due to complications from diabetes. She had reportedly undergone a liver transplant months prior and had been privately struggling with her health.

Though her time on Gossip Girl wasn’t as long as some of her co-stars, Trachtenberg made a lasting impression. Her role as Georgina – equal parts chaos and charisma – was a fan favorite and a sharp contrast to Meester’s polished and poised Blair. The on-screen tension between them became a hallmark of the series.

A Friendship Beyond the Screen

Despite their characters’ feuds, Meester and Trachtenberg clearly had a real bond off-set. In 2019, Trachtenberg posted a playful throwback on Instagram, a selfie of the two from a murder mystery-themed bachelorette party. She captioned it: “Spotted. Ms. Waldorf and Ms. Sparks. In the ballroom. With secrets. I’ll never tell. Xoxo.”

That caption now seems so bittersweet – one more glimpse into a friendship that fans didn’t always get to see.

Gossip Girl Cast Reaction

The Gossip Girl cast's reaction has been heartfelt and heavy across social media. Blake Lively described Michelle as “electric,” saying her presence changed the room. 

Chace Crawford recalled her being a “force of nature,” while Ed Westwick kept it simple and somber: “So sad to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg. Sending prayers.”

Their words echo what fans already knew: Michelle wasn’t just another guest star. She was part of the fabric of the show and the friendships formed around it.

Celebrity Tributes 2025: An Outpouring of Love

Outside the Gossip Girl bubble, celebrity tributes in 2025 to Michelle have continued to pour in. Sarah Michelle Gellar, her co-star from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, wrote a touching message about how proud she was to watch Michelle grow into the woman she became. 

Rosie O'Donnell and Kim Cattrall also shared their memories, painting a picture of someone who was beloved in many circles. It’s clear that Michelle touched a lot of lives with her talent, humor, and strength.

Leighton Meester Statement: Saying Goodbye

In the Leighton Meester statement, she didn’t need many words to convey the loss. Sometimes, saying someone was “wonderful” and “loved” says it all. The pain in her voice speaks volumes for how close-knit the cast really was, even years after the show wrapped.

As fans continue to remember Michelle Trachtenberg through reruns, old interviews, and fond memories, the Leighton Meester tribute stands as a poignant reminder of how quickly life can change – and how important it is to celebrate the people we’ve loved along the way.