In Nina Wayne's 1967 interview with The Oil City Derrick, she described her relationship with her sister in heartwarming terms: "We go everywhere together, and if I'm away, we talk to each other on the phone at least once a day. Somehow, we never competed with each other, we learned to work together. I don't know what I'd do without her."
Unfortunately, Nina Wayne's story has tragedy, too. On June 30, 2014, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that Nina's daughter, Jessica, had passed away just days before her 48th birthday, and just a day after the two had visited. Details at the time were scarce, and it wasn't until August that the Los Angeles Times reported that the San Diego County Medical Examiner's official findings had ruled Jessica's death to be an accidental overdose, caused by drugs — including methamphetamine, methadone, nordiazepam, and tramadol — that had been in her system at the time of her passing.
Jessica's father was Nina's ex-husband, John Barrymore, making her the half-sister of actress Drew Barrymore. Drew had told People: "Although I only met her briefly, I wish her and her loved ones as much peace as possible."
If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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