Julia Roberts–star of the Academy Award nominated film August: Osage County–endured a family tragedy this weekend. Her half-sister, Nancy Motes, was found dead of a drug overdose. The family announced the devastating news in a statement to People magazine on Monday afternoon.

“It is with deep sadness that the family of Nancy Motes … confirms that she was found dead in Los Angeles yesterday of an apparent drug overdose,” the statement reads. “There is no official report from the Coroner’s office yet. The family is both shocked and devastated.”

Nancy Motes was 37 years old, and the youngest sister of Julia and Eric Roberts and Lisa Roberts Gillan. Julia Roberts is 46. During an interview about a year ago, Motes described her relationship with her older sister as “a work in progress.” It was no secret that she and Julia Roberts were estranged.

Regardless of the status of one’s present relationship with a sibling, it’s never easy to learn that one has died tragically. It will no doubt be a horrific blow to Julia Roberts–as well as to the rest of her family, as they deal with this sudden loss.

Julia Roberts’ mother Betty Lou was divorced from her dad back in 1972 and shortly thereafter she married Michael Motes–known for his abusive ways and penchant for partying. He was said to be drunk more than he ever was sober. She had one child with Motes–Nancy Motes–in 1976 before divorcing him. She one said marrying Motes was the “biggest mistake of her life.”

Prayers will no doubt be said for the entire Roberts/Motes family by people from around the world as news of the death of Julia Roberts’ half sister Nancy Motes circulates. More information will be reported in the news as soon as it is available.

Image via Wikimedia Commons