Drew Barrymore's half-sister Jessica Barrymore was found dead early Tuesday morning. The reason and cause of death is yet to be determined.
Media reports have it that a woman found a car blocking her driveway in National City, Calif., and went to investigate, only to find Barrymore unresponsive behind the wheel. An autopsy is pending but the witness claims to have seen "dozens of white pills scattered" within the car. Barrymore had attended the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts and was an employee at Petco. Her co-workers told ABC 10News that "she was one awesome, helpful person, and she's someone we're all going to miss."
According to the Los Angeles Times, Jessica and Drew Barrymore shared the same father, late actor John Barrymore. Jessica was the daughter of former actress Nina Wayne and Drew's estranged mother Jaid was John Barrymore's third wife.
Drew Barrymore, 39, released a statement to People about the news. She said, "Although I only met her briefly, I wish her and her loved ones as much peace as possible, and I'm so incredibly sorry for their loss."
Her brother John Barrymore said it was likely an accidental overdose.
"It looks like it was a drug misadventure. Mixing alcohol and pills. I seriously doubt she took her own life," he told the Daily News.
"There were some empty vodka bottles, a couple bags of meth and a variety of pills in the car. My guess is that it was the booze and pills, like with Heath Ledger," he said, referring to the popular Australian actor who overdosed on prescription pills in a SoHo loft in 2008. Jessica Barrymore would have turned 48 July 31st, 2014.
Earlier this week, Julia Roberts' half sister was also found dead. The death was later confirmed to be a suicide and Nancy Motes blamed the "Pretty Women" actress for her death. Roberts faced a lot of heat during the incident and the news made headlines for many days.
