Drew Barrymore’s half-sister Jessica Barrymore has been found dead in her car, at the age of 47, in San Diego, California.
A witness first saw her vehicle on Hoover Avenue on Tuesday night, telling 10News: “Her car was parked right here last night around midnight. I thought she was sleeping or waiting for someone.”
Jessica Barrymore
According to reports, when the car was still parked there several hours later - the day before she would have been celebrating her 48th birthday - the witness grew more suspicious.
Jessica was found in the driver's seat, slumped at the wheel of her car, with dozens of “white pills” scattered all over the seat next to her, according to 10News. Her seat was reclined and there was also a can of energy drink found between her legs.
The Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to the news site that the body was Jessica Barrymore, whose date of birth - 31 July, 1966 - matched that of Drew’s half-sister.
Reacting to the sad news Drew told Just Jared: "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."
The cause of death is yet to be discovered, pending an autopsy, according to National City Police.
Jessica and half-sister Drew share the same father, actor John Drew Barrymore. Drew has another half-sister, Blyth Barrymore.