Patricia Lee Lloyd was the half-sister of Oprah Winfrey, the famous American talk show host, media mogul, and philanthropist. She died in 2003 at the age of 43 due to an accidental overdose of Oxycodone, a powerful opioid painkiller. In this article, we will explore the life and death of Patricia Lee Lloyd, and how her addiction to drugs affected her relationship with Oprah Winfrey.
Contents
Early Life and Family Background
Patricia Lee Lloyd was born on June 3, 1959, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her mother was Vernita Lee, a housemaid who had an affair with Vernon Winfrey, a barber and city councilman. Vernita and Vernon never married, but they had a daughter named Orpah Gail Winfrey, who later changed her name to Oprah Winfrey. Patricia was Vernita’s second child, but the identity of her father is unknown.
Patricia grew up in Milwaukee with her mother and her siblings. Vernita had another daughter, Patricia Lofton, who was put up for adoption, and a son, Jeffrey Lee, who died of AIDS in 1989. Patricia’s maternal grandparents were Hattie Mae Lee and Earlest Lee.
There is not much information about Patricia’s childhood and education. She married Kenny J. Lloyd Sr., and had two daughters, Alisha Hayes and Chrishaunda Hayes.
Drug Addiction and Rehab Attempts
Patricia struggled with drug addiction for years. She was addicted to cocaine, a stimulant that causes euphoria, alertness, and increased energy. Cocaine can also cause paranoia, anxiety, insomnia, and heart problems.
According to Doveclove, Patricia’s addiction caused her to lose custody of her children and her home. She also had legal troubles and financial difficulties. She was arrested several times for drug possession, theft, forgery, and prostitution.
Oprah Winfrey tried to help her sister overcome her addiction. She paid for Patricia’s rehab twice, but Patricia relapsed both times. Oprah also offered to pay for Patricia’s education and living expenses if she stayed clean.
However, Patricia could not resist the temptation of drugs. She switched from cocaine to Oxycodone, an opioid painkiller that is prescribed for moderate to severe pain. Oxycodone can also cause euphoria, relaxation, and sedation. However, it can also cause respiratory depression, overdose, and death.
Death by Overdose
According to Find a Grave, Patricia was found dead in her New Berlin apartment on February 19, 2003 by her husband Kenny Lloyd. The cause of death was not initially apparent but the coroner later determined she died of an overdose of Oxycodone.
Oprah Winfrey was devastated by the news of her sister’s death. She said in a statement: “I am deeply saddened by my sister Pat’s passing. I loved her very much and will miss her terribly.”
Oprah also said that she hoped Patricia’s death would serve as a warning to others who are struggling with drug addiction. She said: “I hope that Pat’s life will be a cautionary tale for all who are battling this disease.”
Conclusion
Patricia Lee Lloyd was the half-sister of Oprah Winfrey who died of an overdose of Oxycodone in 2003. She had a long history of drug addiction that ruined her life and strained her relationship with Oprah. Her death was a tragic loss for her family and a reminder of the dangers of drug abuse.
