Leighton Meester 'devastated' by former Gossip Girl co-star Michelle Trachtenberg's death
Leighton Meester has paid tribute to her former 'Gossip Girl' co-star Michelle Trachtenberg, admitting her death was "devastating".
The 39-year-old actress - who portrayed Blair Waldorf in the CW teen drama series - has remembered Michelle, who portrayed troublesome schemer Georgina Sparks in the show, as a "wonderful, talented person" who "everyone loved".
Speaking to Flaunt magazine about Michelle's tragic passing, she said: "It's devastating.
"She was a wonderful, talented person, and everyone loved her.
"It's very, very sad for everyone who knew her."
Following Michelle's death, Leighton saw just how powerful the show's legacy is.
While 'Gossip Girl' hasn't been on air since 2012, Leighton still feels "the same in many ways" as she did during her heyday on the programme.
She added: "Now, I can see that [the show's legacy] continues - in some ways, even more so than back then - to live on, which is incredible."
Michelle's official cause of death was revealed as complications of diabetes mellitus.
Last month, a spokesperson for the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner told PEOPLE: "The amended determination was made following review of toxicology testing results.
"Toxicology testing can be done without autopsy."
Michelle's 'Gossip Girl' co-star Penn Badgley recently admitted he found her death "surreal".
He told E! News: 'I can't claim to have known her well but it's surreal. Really surreal, really saddening.
'What I remember of her is she was incredibly quick to laugh. She was really joyous. We all have our ups and downs, our lights and shadows, but she had this - I mean, she was mature, but she had this childlike, joyous laugh.'
What's more, former 'Gossip Girl' star Taylor Momsen said the tragic news had left her "heart on the floor".
She wrote on Instagram: "In shock... When I met this girl 17 years ago I knew we'd be friends.. she was smart and sassy, bold and sensitive, funny as f*** and filled with fire. She was simply awesome.
"I'll miss our late night calls that no one should ever hear but us. She was always in my corner and there to support me whether I was right or wrong.
"I will miss you everyday my love.. I think we truly understood each other and I am so grateful to have had a friend like you in my life for so long.. (sic)"
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