Former Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter, 32, took to the stage last night, only a few days after his sister Leslie, 25, died of a suspected drug overdose.
In what was probably one of the most emotional performances of his life, he chose to dedicate a touching ballad to his sister, who had had a long battle with depression, drug addiction and mental illness.
Performing at New York City’s Irving Plaza, Carter also did a version of the Backstreet Boys hit single ‘I Want It That Way’ and told the crowd, ‘Let’s celebrate her life.’
Fans in the crowd held pink paper hearts and held them up throughout the show to commemorate Leslie and this gesture was acknowledged and appreciated by Nick Carter who was clearly emotional throughout his whole performance.
Tragic Leslie leaves behind husband Mike Ashton and a 10-month old daughter Allysa Jane. It has been reported that three drugs were found near Carter when she died Olanzapine (given to treat symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) Alprazolam (also known as Xanax – used to alleviate anxiety or treat panic disorders) and Cyclobenzaprine (a muscle relaxant).
Though it is suspected that she died of a drug overdose, her official cause of death will not be revealed for another few weeks, as the coroner awaits the results of her toxicology report.
Nick Carter is due to go on tour with the Backstreet Boys in the next few months; he has already said that he will dedicate this trip to his sister.
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