Jessica Blyth Barrymore was the elder half-sister of actress Drew Barrymore, who was born into the famous Barrymore acting dynasty. However, Jessica lived a troubled life away from the spotlight, and her tragic death in 2014 shocked many people. Here is what we know about Jessica Blyth Barrymore’s cause of death and the circumstances surrounding it.
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Who was Jessica Blyth Barrymore?
Jessica Blyth Barrymore was born on July 31, 1966, in Los Angeles, California. She was the third child of actor John Drew Barrymore and his fourth wife, Nina Wayne, an actress. Jessica had three half-siblings: John Blyth III, Blyth Dolores, and Drew Barrymore, who was the youngest and the most famous of them all.
Jessica had a difficult childhood, as her father was absent and struggled with alcohol and drug addiction. He was also involved in several legal troubles that affected his acting career. Jessica’s parents divorced in 1974, when she was eight years old. She grew up in a single-parent home with her mother, who later moved to a nursing home in Palm Springs.
Jessica attended the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts, where she developed an interest in music and art. She also worked as a hairdresser and a pet groomer. She was married twice, but both marriages ended in divorce. She had no children of her own, but she loved animals and had several pets.
Jessica had a distant relationship with her half-sister Drew, who also had a turbulent upbringing and battled with substance abuse at a young age. Drew became a successful actress and producer, but she rarely saw or spoke to Jessica. According to Drew, she only met Jessica briefly and wished her peace and love.
How did Jessica Blyth Barrymore die?
Jessica Blyth Barrymore died on July 29, 2014, just two days before her 48th birthday. She was found dead in her car, which was parked in front of a driveway in National City, San Diego County. She was discovered by a neighbor, who tried to move her car but noticed that she was unresponsive and had a soft drink between her legs. There were also dozens of white pills scattered on the passenger seat.
The authorities ruled Jessica’s death as an accidental drug and alcohol intoxication. According to the medical examiner’s office, Jessica had a lethal combination of methamphetamine, alcohol, and several prescription drugs in her system, including oxycodone, tramadol, and nordiazepam. Her brother, John Barrymore, said that Jessica did not intend to take her own life, but rather overdosed accidentally.
Jessica’s last Facebook post, which she shared on July 28, 2014, was a quote from Mystera Magazine that read: “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.”
What was the reaction to Jessica Blyth Barrymore’s death?
Jessica Blyth Barrymore’s death saddened many people who knew her or were fans of her half-sister Drew. Drew released a statement to the New York Daily News, 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 also said that she was in shock and heartbroken by the news.
Jessica’s friends and family also expressed their grief and condolences on social media. One of her friends, Steffani LeFevour, wrote on Facebook: “Jessica you were such a bright light in my life. I will never forget the time we spent together. You were always so positive and full of life. I love you my friend. Rest in peace.”
Jessica’s mother, Nina, was reportedly devastated by her daughter’s death and could not attend her funeral. Jessica was cremated and her ashes were scattered in the ocean. She was remembered as a kind, generous, and creative person who loved music, art, and animals. She was also a spiritual seeker who believed in the power of positive thinking and the law of attraction.
Jessica Blyth Barrymore’s cause of death was a tragic end to a life that was full of challenges and struggles. She was a member of a famous family, but she did not enjoy the fame and fortune that her half-sister did. She had a troubled relationship with her father, who died of cancer in 2004. She also had problems with addiction and depression, which ultimately led to her accidental overdose. She was a victim of a disease that affects millions of people around the world, and her death serves as a reminder of the dangers and consequences of substance abuse.
