Drew Barrymore’s Half Sister Found Dead In California


Drew Barrymore’s half sister, Jessica Barrymore, was found dead in California Tuesday morning, according to media reports. The 47-year-old woman’s body was found lifeless in a vehicle early in the morning by a neighbor, Marta Lopez.

Lopez told ABC 10 News that she was trying to leave for work, but a car was blocking her driveway. She got out and asked the woman behind the wheel if she needed help, but the woman did not respond.

Lopez reported seeing pills scattered around the passenger seat and realized something was terribly wrong when Barrymore was not breathing. Lopez called police to report the death.

Oscar Sandoval, another resident who saw the car blocking Lopez’s driveway Monday night, recalled that Barrymore’s car “was parked right here last night around midnight.”

He added, “I thought she was sleeping or waiting for someone.”

But that wasn’t the case.

The medical examiner did not confirm the woman was Drew Barrymore’s half sister, but the Medical Examiner’s Office did report they had Jessica Barrymore’s body. The woman’s date of birth was listed the same as the actress’s half-sister.

Drew Barrymore released a statement about her paternal half-sister’s death to PEOPLE, saying, “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.”

Drew and her half sister, who attended the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, had the same father, John Drew Barrymore.

Sandoval told ABC 10 News he felt awful that Barrymore spent her last moments on Earth alone in her car.

“It’s crazy. It’s sad to see that.”

Jessica, who would have been 48 on Thursday, worked at a Petco animal supply store and was loved by her coworkers.

Friend Dawn Scott recalled, “Jessica was always a helpful person. If we had any problems she would help us work things out. She would always put people first… She was one awesome, helpful person and she’s someone we’re all going to miss.”

The actress’s half sister indicated in her final Facebook post that she was struggling with something, though media reports did not speculate on what happened. Her final post on the social network included a quote saying, “Life doesn’t always introduce you to the people you WANT to meet. Sometimes, life puts you in touch with the people you NEED to meet to Help You, to Hurt You, to Guide You, to Leave You, to Love You, and to gradually Strengthen You into the Person You Were Meant to Become.”

Drew Barrymore’s half sister’s cause of death is listed as unknown until an autopsy can be completed.

[Image via Facebook]

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