Blake Lively is remembering former child stars Hayden Panettiere and Michelle Trachtenberg, who died within 18 months of each other. The actress, 38, shared a heartfelt message on her Instagram Stories a day after news of Panettiere's death at age 36 was reported.
Panettiere died Sunday, August 16, in Greenville, South Carolina. Reports indicated Narcan was found at the scene following an apparent overdose. Panettiere's death occurred 18 months after Trachtenberg, who passed away in February at age 39 due to complications from diabetes mellitus.
Lively, who starred alongside Trachtenberg in the popular television series "Gossip Girl," shared a montage of clips from the 2005 Disney film "Ice Princess." In the film, Panettiere and Trachtenberg played on-screen rivals who ultimately form a bond.
"Be. Kind. You never know what others are going through," Lively wrote in her tribute. "Thank you to both these women for all the joy you brought so many."
Panettiere and Trachtenberg were established child actors before collaborating on "Ice Princess." Trachtenberg starred in "Harriet the Spy," while Panettiere gained recognition for her role in "Remember the Titans" alongside Denzel Washington. Both went on to star in prominent television shows, with Trachtenberg in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Gossip Girl," and Panettiere in "Heroes" and "Nashville."
In "Ice Princess," Trachtenberg played Casey, a high school student who discovers a passion for figure skating, and Panettiere portrayed Gen, the daughter of the rink manager. The film, directed by Tim Fywell, grossed $25.7 million at the box office.
Kim Cattrall, who played Panettiere's mother in "Ice Princess," also shared a tribute online, writing, "Rest in peace sweet Hayden. Gone far too soon."
Panettiere and Trachtenberg last reunited in 2011 at a charity fashion event in New York City.