Rebecca Gayheart Shattered By Druggie Sister’s Jailhouse Death

The sudden death of Rebecca Gayheart’s troubled sister in a Kentucky jail has left friends fearing the actress may slip back into her own dark past!

Her sister Rachel, 38, died Aug. 11 after reportedly experiencing pneumonia symptoms while locked up on drug charges in Kentucky.

Rebecca, 46, posted a picture on social media of her family reunited for the funeral with the message: “My baby sister Rachel ‘ray’ has sadly passed away. We buried her on the hilltop in Kentucky along with my grandparents and cousins.”

The National ENQUIRER has learned that close pals are worried the loss will send the former “Beverly Hills, 90210” star spiraling into the tortured memories of her past. In 2001, Rebecca pleaded no contest to vehicular homicide charges after she struck and killed a nine-year-old boy. She got away with three years probation, 750 hours of community service and a fine.

The National ENQUIRER has learned that close pals are worried the loss will send the former “Beverly Hills, 90210” star spiraling into the tortured habits of her past. In 2001, Rebecca pleaded no contest to vehicular homicide charges after she struck and killed a nine-year-old boy. She got away with three years probation, 750 hours of community service and a fine.

  In 2009, a leaked video showed her and husband, “The Last Ship” star Eric Dane, in a steamy hot-tub session with a former teen beauty queen. She and Eric — who recently took a break from the series to deal with his depression — have two young daughters, Billie, 7, and Georgia, 5.

“Rebecca has tried hard to keep it together since the accident,” a source spilled. “But Eric’s battle with depression, combined with losing her sister, has everyone worried she might not have the strength anymore.”