Drew Barrymore’s half-sister Jessica Barrymore has reportedly been found dead in her car in San Diego.

Drew Barrymore half sister
Drew Barrymore's half-sister Jessica was sadly found dead on Tuesday

The movie star’s paternal half-sister, 47, was found by her neighbour Marta Lopez after she discovered Barrymore’s car blocking her drive on her way to work on Tuesday morning. After being unable to get her attention, she noticed a number of white pills scattered around the inside of the car.

According to the New York Daily News another neighbour, Oscar Sandoval, spotted the same car the previous night but had assumed its occupant was sleeping or waiting for somebody. Though reports and post-mortems have obviously yet to be conducted, it would appear that Barrymore had taken her own life.

In a statement reacting to the news, it would appear that the half-sisters were estranged, but Drew expressed sorrow nonetheless. "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.”

MORE: Drew Barrymore gives birth to second daughter Frankie

It’s very sad news for Drew at a time when she so recently had cause for celebration. She and husband Will Kopelman welcomed their second child, Frankie, into the world in May.

Jessica Barrymore was the third child of movie legend John Barrymore and his fourth wife Nina Wayne.