Former model and adult film actress Jesse Jane has passed away, presumed to have succumbed to a drug overdose at age 43, according to the New York Times. Before her death, she was found at an Oklahoma residence with her boyfriend, both deceased. The police are investigating.
Jesse, born Cynthia Ann Howell in Texas, modeled for companies like David's Bridal before entering the adult film industry with Digital Playground. With a start in beauty pageants, she starred in the most expensive adult films ever made.
She debuted in the industry in 2003 and briefly appeared in mainstream media, including 'Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding', 'Starsky and Hutch', and 'Entourage'.
The Oklahoma native, also known for hosting Playboy Channel shows, retired from adult films in 2007. She was a high school honors graduate and had family ties to Tinker Air Force Base. Her 'Pirates' series set records for its production budget.