Michelle Trachtenberg’s neighbors ‘shocked’ by secret...

BUFFY star Michelle Trachtenberg's neighbors have paid tribute to the "childhood icon" just hours after the actress' tragic death on Wednesday in her luxury apartment building. Residents of the Manhattan high-rise had spotted ambulances outside the building early that morning but told The U.S. Sun Trachtenberg’s death and secret health battle had come as a major shock.

Image Credit: The Sun [Headshot of Michelle Trachtenberg.]

Raphael Noufled, 24, said he has lived in the same building for years and Trachtenberg "seemed fine" last time he had seen her. "She was pretty nice," Noufled added. “She seemed normal, she wasn’t like a super closed off person or anything. “She seemed fine. I didn’t know her personally or anything about her health but she seemed alright. So obviously it was a big shock to hear she passed away this morning.

Image Credit: The Sun [Michelle Trachtenberg as Harriet in Harriet the Spy.]

“I know her from Gossip Girl. That’s the only show I watched from her, but she was obviously a great actress. "People loved her, people are here to pay their respects.". Fellow neighbor Katie Wheeler, 38, called Trachtenberg a "childhood icon" and expressed shock at her death at such a young age.

Image Credit: The Sun [Low-angle view of two tall brick apartment buildings against a blue sky.]

“It’s shocking because I'm 38, so she's 39," she said. "It's like my age. So many people are dying so young and it's just shocking that not only did she die so young, but she is also in this building.". Wheeler said neighbors were taken aback by the medical staff descending on the building and were unaware of what was happening until the news broke elsewhere.

Image Credit: The Sun [Photo of Raphael Noufled outside Michelle Trachtenberg's apartment building.]

"I texted my friend earlier and said, ‘There's a coroner's van here, there's medical examiner van. I said, what is going on?’" she said. "My friend texted me, 'RIP Harriet the Spy,' because we always would talk about that. Kind of like a childhood icon, like a Full House-type.”.

Image Credit: The Sun [Two NYPD officers leaving a building.]

“It was just really sad, I was so sad,” Jane, another neighbor of the star, said. “I grew up watching Gossip Girl and some of the other movies she was in as a kid. “I felt like every show she was in I saw and I cannot believe she lives in this building,” the 22-year-old neighbor continued.

Image Credit: The Sun [Kim Cattrall and Michelle Trachtenberg sitting together.]

“I just had no idea I’m just shocked, like that’s so crazy.”. Trachtenberg is believed to have died of natural causes, with no foul play suspected, after her body was reportedly found by her mom. The operation happened in the last year and Trachtenberg is believed to have been experiencing complications in the aftermath.

Her body may have even rejected the new liver, TMZ reported citing law enforcement sources. Michelle Trachtenberg began her career as a child actress, starring in over 62 movies and TV shows before her sudden death at age 39. Notable roles throughout her career include:.

The star also made cameo appearances in major TV shows:. Co-stars of Trachtenberg’s were quick to post tributes to the Buffy the Vampire Slayer actress. James Marsters, a co-star on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, posted on Instagram to honor the late actress.

"My heart is heavy today," he wrote. "We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person. "She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her.". Friends and former co-stars of Trachtenberg's were quick to post tributes on social media honoring the actress.

David Boreanaz, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, posted a photo of the actress on his Instagram story, commenting, "So very sad...horrible news. RIP and prayers to her and her family.". Trachtenberg's Gossip Girl co-star Ed Westwick posted a photo on his Instagram story of the actress when she played Georgina Sparks. He wrote, "So sad to hear of the passing of Michelle Trachtenberg. Sending prayers.".

Kim Cattrall, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in 2005 film Ice Princess, wrote, "Rest in peace sweet Michelle.". Rosie O'Donnell, who acted with Trachtenberg in Harriet the Spy, also said the news was "heartbreaking.". "I loved her very much. She struggled the last few years. I wish I could have helped," she said, according to People.

James Marsters, another co-star on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, posted on Instagram to honor the late actress. "My heart is heavy today," he wrote. "We have lost a beautiful soul. Michelle was fiercely intelligent, howlingly funny, and a very talented person. She died much too young, and leaves behind scores of people who knew and loved her.".

Fellow Nickelodeon star Kenan Thompson posted a farewell message to the actress and reminded others to check in on their friends. "Our first Nick movie star has departed us!! She was my friend and now she rests!! Check on your people!!!" he wrote. Melissa Joan Hart, Trachtenberg's Clarissa Explains it All co-star, said she was "heartbroken" over her death alongside a clip of the show.

"I'm heartbroken to hear of the passing of @michelletrachtenberg," she said. "So young, so talented and so sweet!". "I think this was about 1992 and the episode was an idea I had about babysitting a total nightmare. But Michelle was nothing like her character and even this young, we got along wonderfully.".