The half-sister of Oscar winner Julia Roberts has died of what is being reported as an apparent drug overdose, according to a family statement sent to People magazine.

Nancy Motes, 37, was found dead Sunday in Los Angeles.

"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 said. "There is no official report from the Coroner's office yet. The family is both shocked and devastated."

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Motes was the youngest sister of Julia, 46, and Eric Roberts, 57.

Motes said last year in an interview that she and Julia Roberts were estranged, but that their relationship was a "work in progress."

Roberts is nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Supporting Actress category for her work on "August: Osage County."

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