Jessica Barrymore, the half-sister of actress Drew Barrymore, has died at age 47.
She was found dead in National City, California, early Tuesday morning in her car surrounded by drugs reports confirmed.
“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, 39, said in a statement.
A resident, Oscar Sandoval, recalled that Jessica had been parked in his neighborhood since around midnight the night before.
“I thought she was sleeping or waiting for someone,” he explained to local 10News, noting that when morning rolled around, her car was still there.
Around 6 a.m. Tuesday morning, Marta Lopez tried to leave for work and discovered a car blocking her driveway. She went over to speak with the driver and found Jessica, who was lying back in a reclined seat with a SoBe energy drink between her legs and dozens of white pills scattered nearby.
Lopez told Jessica, “You need help; you need help,” but reported that the woman was unresponsive and did not appear to be breathing. Lopez then called the police to the scene.
Jessica reportedly worked at an area Petco animal supply store and was well liked by her co-workers. “Jessica was always a helpful person,” her friend and co-worker Dawn Scott told 10News.
“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.”
