John Dilbeck, the fiance of Julia Roberts' half-sister, has broken his silence following the tragic death of his wife-to-be. As previously reported, Nancy Motes was found dead of an apparent drug overdose in a bathtub on Sunday, Feb. 9.
"John Dilbeck and his extended family would like to express their heartfelt condolences to all of Nancy Motes' family and friends," a statement to Us Weekly reads. "We loved her dearly and will miss her always. Please know that the words she wrote in online venues were those of someone in pain who loved her family and longed for a closer bond with them."
"Nancy was a kind and thoughtful person quick to give a hug or share her memorable laugh," the statement continues. "John is heartbroken and requests that he be left in peace to recover from a loss that all should understand."
Roberts' half-sister Motes was found dead at an L.A. residence and left a suicide note behind. "All we're saying at this point was that there was a note found," a spokesperson from the Office of the Los Angeles Country Department of Coroner told Us at the time. Prescription drugs and nonprescription drugs were also found at the scene, but it is still unknown whether or not the drugs played a role in her death.
Motes and the Oscar-winning actress — who cancelled an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Feb. 10 — appeared to have been strained before Motes' tragic death. Last October, Motes tweeted a cryptic message about her family. "It's a shame when you get more support from strangers than you do from your family. I can't wait to officially belong to another family!" she wrote. "A family that loves & accepts me. Doesn't throw shade my way. Forgives me for my mistakes & loves me for who I am."
