Drew Barrymore's family was struck with a tragedy on Tuesday morning (July 29th) as her paternal half-sister was found dead in a car after possibly suffering from a fatal overdose.

Drew Barrymore
Drew's half-sister was foudn dead on Tuesday morning (July 29th)

Jessica Barrymore's body was discovered in her vehicle, which was in park along a street in National City, Calif., a suburb south of San Diego, the local authorities confirmed.

The 47 year-old was first spotted by resident Marta Lopez around 6 a.m. after the car was blocking her driveway, she then approached the vehicle and found a women in the driver's seat who was showing no signs of life, KGTV ABC10 reports.

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"You need help, you need help," Lopez said to Barrymore, who did not respond. Lopez also told the local news station that the seat was reclined and the energy drink SoBe was placed between her legs, more alarmingly there were "dozens of white pills scattered" on the passenger seat.

"Her car was parked right here last night around midnight," added witness Oscar Sandoval. "I thought she was sleeping or waiting for someone."

Upon arriving on the scene it was quickly determined Barrymore was dead, National City Police Lt. Robert Rounds said. "She appeared to be sleeping in her vehicle, partially blocking a driveway," he told NY Daily News. "We went out to check her welfare, and she was cold to the touch, obviously deceased."

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The location of vehicle is rather baffling as "she apparently lived out of the area in northern San Diego County, so she was out of place on that block," Rounds added.

Drew Barrymore
When hearing the news, Drew said she wishes "her and her loved ones as much peace as possible"

Jessica and Drew had the same father, John Drew Barrymore, who passed away in 2004. Actress Nina Wayne, who was John's fourth wife, was the mother of Jessica.

Only hours after the tragic incident, the Hollywood star released a statement to express her grievances, but also revealed that they weren't close with each other. "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 39 year-old actress said.