Leighton Meester 'Devastated' By Former Gossip Girl Co-Star Michelle Trachtenberg's Death

 Leighton Meester 'Devastated' By Former Gossip Girl Co-Star Michelle Trachtenberg's Death

In an homage to her former "Gossip Girl" co-star Michelle Trachtenberg, Leighton Meester acknowledged that her passing was "devastating."  Michelle, who played the role of troubled schemer Georgina Sparks in the CW adolescent drama series, was remembered by the 39-year-old actress, who played Blair Waldorf, as a "wonderful, talented person" who "everyone loved."

 "It's devastating," she stated in an interview with Flaunt magazine regarding Michelle's untimely death.  Everyone adored her because she was a lovely, gifted individual.  For everyone who knew her, it is incredibly sad.

After Michelle passed away, Leighton realized the show's lasting impact.  Despite the fact that "Gossip Girl" hasn't aired since 2012, Leighton feels "the same in many ways" as she did when she was a regular on the show.  "It's amazing to see that [the show's legacy] is still going strong today, in some ways even more so than it was in the past," she continued.

 Diabetes mellitus complications were identified as Michelle's official cause of death.  A representative for the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner told PEOPLE last month that the revised decision was reached after toxicological test results were reviewed.

 "Autopsies are not necessary for toxicology testing."

 Penn Badgley, Michelle's co-star on "Gossip Girl," recently acknowledged that he thought Michelle's passing was "surreal."  "I can't claim to have known her well, but it's surreal," he said to E! News.  Very strange, very depressing. My recollection of her is that she laughed quite quickly.  She was very happy.  Even though she was older, she had this happy, childish giggle that we all have, despite our ups and downs, lights, and shadows.

 Additionally, Taylor Momsen, a former "Gossip Girl" star, stated that the heartbreaking news had left her "heart on the floor."  "In shock," she posted on Instagram.  I knew we would be friends when I first met her seventeen years ago. She was intelligent and sassy, brave and sensitive, hilarious as f***, and full of fire.  She was really amazing.  Our late-night calls, which should only be heard by us, will be missed.  She was there to encourage me no matter what, and she was always in my corner.