A French woman, with rare facial tumor and whose petition for euthanasia was earlier rejected by the court was found dead in her home on Wednesday. No details have been released on the cause of death of Chantal Sebire, diagnosed eight years ago with the rare disease of esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB).

According to the International Herald Tribune, a government official said in anonymity that Sebire died in her home at Plombieres-les-Dijon.

Sebire, a mother of three had requested a court in Dijon to allow a doctor to assist her in committing suicide using a lethal dose of barbiturates. She argued that ENB caused her intense pain, left her blind and with disfigured face, and made her lose senses of smell and taste.

The French court on Monday dismissed her request for euthanasia saying it is not allowed under the French law. Lawmakers approved a legislation in 2005 allowing families of the victims of terminal illnesses to appeal before the court that they be allowed to turn-off life support equipment. The law, however, does not allow a doctor to assist a patient end his or her life.

Sebire's case sparked debate and attention worldwide, after her television appearance last month, appealing for a right to end her life. Sebire even called on French President Nicholas Sarkozy to step in in her case.