How did Leslie Carter die? Details emerge about Nick and Aaron Carter’s sister’s death

House of Carters reality star Leslie Carter, the sister of Backstreet Boys Nick and Aaron Carter, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 25.

The grieving family confirmed the news and released the following statement:

“Our family is grieving right now and it’s a private matter. We are deeply saddened for the loss of our beloved sister, daughter, and granddaughter, Leslie Carter. We request the utmost privacy during this difficult time.”

The mother of one was an aspiring singer and married Mike Ashton in April of 2011. The family has been quiet about the details surrounding Leslie’s death, but TMZ has sources close to Leslie who reveal she had recently moved in with her family in upstate New York while she tried to kick an addiction to prescription medication.

According to the source family members left Leslie alone at the home while they ran errands for only an hour and found her unconscious when they returned. Emergency crews were called to the scene, but they were unable to revive her. TMZ was told Leslie’s 10-month-old daughter was not at home at the time.

UPDATE – Us magazine has obtained a copy of the police report which indicates Leslie Carter did in fact die from a drug overdose. From Us:

Her stepmother, Ginger Carter, called 911 on Tuesday from their Mayville, New York home, telling paramedics that Leslie (married mother to a 10-month-old daughter, Alyssa) was “asleep on her bed and not breathing.”

Her father, Robert Carter, attempted CPR. Paramedics arrived and transported Leslie to Westfield Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 4:59 p.m. Authorities reported that prescription drugs Olanzapine, Cyclobensaprine and Alprazolam — which treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and anxiety — were discovered near Leslie’s body.

Ginger later told police in an interview that Leslie had been found asleep in the shower earlier in the day and was escorted to her bed. According to the police report, Ginger appeared to be under the influence during the interview and she revealed that she had taken “5-6 pills (possibly Xanax) that day to help cope with her depression.

^ The cast of House of Carters (from left to right) Aaron Carter, Bobbie Jean Carter, Leslie Carter, Angel Carter, and Nick Carter (Photo: Noemi Torres / WENN)

Aside from appearing on House of Carters, Leslie Carter was also a singer. Her biggest success came with the single “Like Wow” off the 2001 Shrek soundtrack. Here’s the music video:

UPDATE – Aaron Carter has issued a statement regarding his sister’s death:

Aaron Carter would like to thank all his fans, friends and especially his cast and crew at The Fantasticks for their outpouring of love and support during this tragic time.

I am with my family spending much needed time together as we deal with this private matter. I look forward to returning to my Fantasticks’ Family and performing the role of ‘Matt’ for all my amazing fans. Again, I request privacy for my family and no further statements will be made at this time.