Whitney Houston's Former Sister-in-Law Says Her Death Could Have Been Avoided

INSIDE EDITION talks to Whitney Houston's former sister-in-law, who says Whitney's death could have been avoided if her family would have stepped in to help.

Whitney Houston's former sister-in-law says Whitney's death could have been avoided if family members had helped her get off drugs.

Monique Houston, the ex-wife of Whitney's brother, Gary, says she tried to help Gary quit drugs but other family members wouldn't help her.

"It's sad, it's tragic and the best thing I can say is I hope some type of healing comes out of this," said Monique.

INSIDE EDITION's Megan Alexander asked, "Do you think Whitney Houston's death could have been prevented?"

Monique replied, "If they had been more supportive of my efforts with Gary it wouldn't have gotten to such a nightmarish type of situation with Whitney."

Gary is now married to Patricia Houston, Whitney's manager who was there when Whitney's body was found.

Monique says it hurts that she wasn't allowed to pay her final respects to her famous former sister-in-law.

"I wasn't at the viewing. I wasn't invited to the funeral. I was told I was not welcome," said Monique.

But she has fond memories of a carefree Whitney from a time before she was addicted to drugs.

"Nippy was a loving, giving, very generous person and loved her nieces and nephews, loved Bobbi Kris. And just enjoyed being around her family and just having a lot of laughs," recalled Monique.

And as 19-year-old Bobbi Kristina tries to build a new life for herself following her mother's death, Monique has this advice for her.

"Take time to figure out who she really is and what type of woman shes wants to develop into, and the power is in her hands to do so," said Monique.