Michelle Trachtenberg’s tragic death in her New York apartment on February 26 shocked fans and loved ones alike. Her mother found her body, and it was later revealed that the Gossip Girl star had been struggling with severe health issues, including undergoing a liver transplant shortly before her passing.
New details have emerged that reveal the 39-year-old actress was deeply afraid of undergoing the transplant. The primary reason for her fear was the death of her close friend and co-star, Matthew Perry. Perry tragically drowned in a jacuzzi due to a ketamine overdose in the fall of 2023 at the age of 54. His passing left Trachtenberg shaken, and she feared she wouldn’t live to see old age, just like Perry.
Trachtenberg had worked alongside Perry in the 2009 comedy 17 Again, where she played his daughter. The two had formed a close friendship, and she took his death very hard. According to a source, “Michelle was incredibly shaken when Matthew passed away. She didn’t see it coming. She had known him since she was very young, and he made a positive impression on her. Despite his struggles with addiction, she never imagined this would happen. After his death, she often thought about her own mortality.”
Before her surgery, Michelle expressed fear about not surviving the procedure. “Michelle said she was afraid of dying after signing all the forms at the hospital for the possibility of an unexpected death,” an insider revealed.
Perry’s death made Trachtenberg acutely aware of how fragile life can be, especially for those battling addiction. “It made her realize that death could come for anyone struggling with addiction. It felt like it was just around the corner, and those thoughts truly frightened her,” the source added.
Liver transplants are complex procedures with a high risk of complications, especially within the first six months. Infection, cardiovascular issues, and other diseases can pose serious risks to patients. Tragically, Michelle’s fears were not unfounded.
