Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter was left in shock yesterday when his younger sister Leslie was found dead.

Leslie Carter, 25, is suspected to have died of a drugs overdose after being found at home in New York. It is believed that Leslie was convinced to move to NYC from Canada in a bid to beat her prescription drug addiction.

‘We are deeply saddened for the loss of our beloved sister, daughter, and granddaughter Leslie Carter,’ the Carter's told Access Hollywood in a statement.

Nick has promised that the upcoming Backstreet Boys tour dates will go ahead as planned, saying: 'Performing is cathartic to me and I am dedicating the rest of my tour to my sister since she loved to watch me perform.'

Left alone for an hour, Leslie was found uncocious in the family's New York property. She leaves a ten month old daughter, Alyssa Jane and husband Mike Ashton.