Coroners Confirm Julia Roberts’ Half-Sister Nancy Motes’ Death Was A Suicide; Motes' Fiancé Says Report Serves As Proof That A-Lister 'Was Manipulating The Truth'
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May 15 2014, Published 9:07 a.m. ET
Nancy Motes’ death was officially declared a suicide (as opposed to an accidental overdose) on Wednesday, Los Angeles coroner's officials confirmed, citing autopsy and toxicology tests performed on the deceased half-sister of Pretty Woman star Julia Roberts.
The 37-year-old Motes drowned in her bathtub after ingesting unnamed substances, officials said.
A comprehensive autopsy report due out later this month will include an inventory of the actual drugs that felled the troubled woman, who had an acrimonious relationship with her A-list sister throughout much of her life.
Roberts called Motes’ death “just heartbreak,” calling it one of the “tragic, painful, inexplicable things in the world.”
Motes fiancé John Dilbeck told the NY Daily News Wednesday that the latest reports serve “proof that Julia was manipulating the truth in terms of what happened,” claiming the Oscar-winner “persisted that this was just a drug overdose and that Nancy was a drug addict.
“I want everyone to know Nancy was not a drug addict,” he said. “This verdict from the coroner is more proof of that. I’m still suffering and in mourning, and this is one of the worst nightmares anyone can imagine.”
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As we previously reported, Motes was found dead Feb. 9 with “both prescription and nonprescription pills;" and a note found in the Los Angeles home.
If anyone you know, is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please immediately seek help. You can speak with a skilled, trained counselor at a national Suicide Prevention Lifeline crisis center in your area, anytime 24/7 — call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).