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Michelle Trachtenberg was reportedly "really sick" and "struggling" prior to her unexpected death.
The Gossip Girl actress passed away suddenly Wednesday (February 26) at the age of 39, and new reports are shining light into the health struggles she seemingly experienced over the past year, per People. A source claimed that Trachtenberg was dealing with "health issues" in the year before her death that left her "really down emotionally" and that it took a toll on her physical appearance, with the Ice Princess star looking "pale, gaunt" and "very thin."
"She told friends she was struggling," the source said. "She was really, really sick and open with those in her circle about how much she was struggling."
Trachtenberg also reportedly recently underwent a liver transplant which sources claim could have led to complications and possible rejection that potentially played a role in her death.
Trachtenberg was found in her New York City apartment by her mother Wednesday morning. First responders following up on a 911 call found the Harriet the Spy star "unconscious and unresponsive" before EMS declared her dead on the scene. Police said her manner of death was not being investigated as suspicious.
Following news of her death, many fans and friends shared heartfelt tributes mourning her loss, including several of her Gossip Girl costars and her Buffy the Vampire Slayer on-screen sister Sarah Michelle Gellar.