Michelle Trachtenberg “knew death was a high possibility” in the final months of her life, according to a friend of the late “Gossip Girl” star, who died Wednesday morning at the age of 39.
In an Instagram post shared Wednesday evening, photographer and media personality Amanda de Cadenet claimed that Trachtenberg was “recently” hospitalized, saying she spoke with the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star on FaceTime from her hospital bed.
“Sweetheart Michelle,” de Cadenet began in the caption of a photo she took of Trachtenberg seemingly during the late actress’s teen years. “What sad news this morning to wake up to. It feels weird and awful to be posting this, but I want to acknowledge your death because I cared about you.”
The photographer continued, “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.”
The “Ice Princess” actress underwent a liver transplant within the last year. Per sources, it’s believed her body may have rejected the liver transplant and that Trachtenberg died of natural causes.
“I will not share the details of our conversations over the last 6 months,” de Cadenet wrote before adding, “but you knew that death was a high possibility and I am only sorry that the outcome was not a better one.”
She concluded, “Wishing you a peaceful transition sweet friend and may your spirit finally rest.”
The Post broke the news of Trachtenberg’s death.
Her mother found her around 8 a.m. Wednesday at her luxury apartment in Manhattan’s Central Park South neighborhood, sources told The Post.
“It is with great sadness to confirm that Michelle Trachtenberg has passed away,” Trachtenberg’s rep Gary Mantoosh confirmed in a statement to The Post. “The family requests privacy for their loss. There are no further details at this time,” Mantoosh said.
Her death is not deemed suspicious and the city medical examiner will determine the cause, per law enforcement.
De Cadenet’s tribute was among many dedicated to the late actress on Wednesday. Trachtenberg’s fellow Upper Eastsiders Blake Lively and Ed Westwick, her “Harriet the Spy” costar Rosie O’Donnell and her “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” cast-mates James Marsters and Alyson Hannigan, were among those remembering the star.
Trachtenberg’s longtime boyfriend, Hollywood talent agent Jay Cohen, also spoke out on Wednesday.
“The family will not be commenting on the tragedy,” Cohen told a reporter from the Daily Mail, who showed up at the Los Angeles home the couple shared.
