Sylvester Stallone's half-sister dies

Los Angeles - Sylvester Stallone's half-sister has died. The Expendables 2 star's sibling Toni-Ann Filiti passed away on Sunday following a battle with lung cancer.

Toni-Ann recently discharged herself from hospital and was being cared for by her and Sylvester's mother Jackie because she wanted to die at home surrounded by loved ones.

A source said "She passed away last night and it was somewhat expected.

"After being in the Intensive Care Unit recently she decided she wanted to die in the house so she could spend time with her family."

'It's very, very tough'

This is the second recent family tragedy for Sylvester, after his 36-year-old son Sage - from his first marriage to Sasha Czack - was found dead on 13 July at his Studio City apartment in Los Angeles.

Speaking about the loss of Sage recently, Sylvester - who has three daughters, Sophia, 15, Sistine, 14, and 10-year-old Scarlet, with his wife Jennifer Flavin - said: "It's tough. It's very, very tough.

"It's a horrible situation but, time, hopefully will heal and you try to get through it. It's something that's a reality in life.

"It's important to get back and try to start re-living your life. Otherwise you can go into a spiral."

August 28, 2012