Leighton Meester speaks out on death of co-star Michelle Trachtenberg; says, "It's devastating"

Gossip Girl veteran Leighton Meester is grieving over the death of her former co-star and close friend, Michelle Trachtenberg, who unfortunately died earlier this year at 39. Speaking with Flaunt in a emotional interview, Meester, 39, shared their history together and the long-lasting friendships established while creating the legendary teen show."It's devastating," Meester said. "She was an incredible, talented woman, and everybody adored her. It's very, very sad for everybody who knew her." The actress, who played the tough and fashion-conscious Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl, said the news was especially difficult because they were the same age when Trachtenberg passed away. "It really makes you stop and think," she said.Michelle Trachtenberg, who was most famous for playing the troublemaker Georgina Sparks on Gossip Girl and Dawn Summers on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, was discovered dead in a New York City apartment on February 26. The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner subsequently confirmed that her death was due to complications from diabetes mellitus, and her death was determined to be natural.Meester also accepted the enduring impact of Gossip Girl, remarking, "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." The CW series, which broadcast from 2007 to 2012, has had a strong cultural presence, and the tight-knit cast created a connection that has lasted long past the last episode's broadcast.In the wake of confirmation of Trachtenberg's death, there was an outpouring of condolences from some of her former co-stars, including Penn Badgley, Blake Lively, Ed Westwick, and Chace Crawford. Badgley remembered her warmth and her effervescent nature: "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.”Though Badgley admitted he hadn’t seen Trachtenberg in over a decade, he remembered her fondly, describing her as having a “really pure heart.”Michelle Trachtenberg's sudden passing left a deep footprint on the Gossip Girl household and her admirers worldwide. While the entertainment world keeps rejoicing over her legacy and efforts, those around her, including Meester, remind us of the depth, talent, and light she illuminated in their world.