ACTRESS DEBRALEE DRANK HERSELF TO DEATH

The family of American TV star DEBRALEE SCOTT fear the actress slowly drank herself to death after failing to get over the death of her fiance in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The WELCOME BACK KOTTER star was engaged to New York policeman DENNIS LEVI, who was among those caught in the Twin Towers when they collapsed after planes flew into them in 2001.

Levi's mother JOANNE PRIAVITY (corr) claims the actress, who died earlier this month (APR05) developed a drinking disorder shortly after the 9/11 atrocities.

She says, "Debralee has cirrhosis of the liver from her drinking."

The actress' sister JERRI SCOTT adds, "She never did get over Dennis' death."

Scott was found dead on 5 April (05) - three days after her 52nd birthday.

Ironically, she had just moved to Florida from New York in a bid to start a new life after the devastation of 9/11.