This is a really sad story if the reports are even half-way true. It seems that on Saturday, the 23 year old daughter of Christie Brinkley and Billy Joel, Alexa Ray Joel, was rushed to the hospital. First reports indicated that it was a possible drug overdose, and that Alexa’s roommate was the one to call the ambulance. The New York Post (and other sources) claimed Alexa took a “large number” of over-the-counter sleeping pills in a possible suicide attempt. While she was was being hospitalized overnight (on Saturday), Alexa’s publicist said that Alexa was in stable condition and she was receiving treatment, and “We are currently assessing her needs.”

An insider claims that Billy Joel was “freaking out” and that Billy believes that Alexa was under an enormous amount of stress with his divorce from Katie Lee and Christie’s divorce from Peter Cook. The insider said: “Alexa Ray has had a horrible few years. She’s been put in the middle of her mother and stepfather’s nasty divorce, and her father’s split as well. She’s only 23. It’s really hard on someone at that age. She’s always been torn and made to choose sides. It’s very sad. Regardless of what Christie [Brinkley] says, she was close with Peter Cook, and her dad’s divorce just devastated her. She and Katie Lee were really close friends. She’s had a lot to deal with for someone so young.”

Another working theory, from sources speaking to People Magazine, is Alexa that “was apparently distraught over an argument with her boyfriend.” Local New York outlets have Alexa and her boyfriend breaking up, not just an argument. People’s source also claims that Alexa didn’t take sleeping pills, but rather Traumeel, a “homeopathic medication.” Some sources also have Alexa (rather than her roommate) placing the 911 call, this time because Alexa “became worried about breathing.” Alexa has also vented about men and dating on her MySpace page, but that piece of information doesn’t sound all that shocking.

Also, there’s a lot being made of Alexa’s music career and how it might be a factor in what might be a suicide attempt (I’m sticking with “I don’t know for sure what this was”). Alexa told People Magazine last year: “I can get very dark. I can get very in my own head and depressed as many other artists can.” Alexa released an EP in 2006 and she debuted a new song, “Invisible” this year. She was scheduled to perform this week in New York – one of the gigs was even the New York Stock Exchange tree lighting.

Alexa was released Sunday afternoon, but the report doesn’t indicate whether she left in the care of her mother or a friend or anything. They do note that Billy Joel stayed in Long Island during the hospital stay, but that he was communicating with Christie throughout. I hope Alexa goes and stays with her mom or dad, rather than returning to her apartment. Whatever happened, I think this girl just needs a serious break from the world, and just to spend some time laying low and recuperating.

Alexa Ray Joel pictured in New York on June 18, 2009. Credit: Fame