Michelle Trachtenberg, best known for her role as Georgina Sparks on “Gossip Girl”, died on Wednesday, Feb. 26, months after undergoing a liver transplant.
The 39-year-old actress was found dead around 8 a.m. in her Midtown Manhattan apartment, at 1 Columbus Place, according to ABC News.
Trachtenberg’s mother, Lana Trachtenberg, discovered her body and called 911 and EMS.
No foul play is suspected in her untimely death.
According to reports, Trachtenberg had a history of alcoholism that damaged her liver.
More than a year leading up to her death, fans expressed concerns about the actress’s health. They noted her weight loss and yellow-tinged eyes, a sign of liver disease.
One IG user wrote in the comments section, “Michelle u look sick. R u ok?”
At the time, Trachtenberg clapped back: “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.”
Trachtenberg’s comment is a clue that she may have missed the signs and symptoms of liver failure.
In another post on Instagram, Trachtenberg wrote: “I’ve received several comments recently about my appearance. I have never had plastic surgery I am happy and healthy. Check yourself haters.”
In a follow-up post, she wrote: “Fun fact. This is my face. Not malnutrition no problems. Why do you have you hate? Get a calendar.”
Alcoholism is a leading cause of liver disease worldwide. Hepatitis, obesity, and diabetes can also lead to liver disease (Cirrhosis).
One of the signs of liver disease is jaundice, yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Jaundice is caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. The excess bilirubin is deposited in the skin and the whites of the eyes.
The signs & symptoms that Trachtenberg may have missed include:
It’s very rare for doctors to place an alcoholic on a transplant waiting list when there are hundreds of non-alcoholic patients waiting for organs.
Trachtenberg’s celebrity status may be the reason she was moved to the top of the waiting list.
Trachtenberg was best known as Dawn Summers on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
She also starred in “Harriet the Spy” and later appeared in “Gossip Girl.”
