Heath Ledger Dies at 28; Signs Point to Overdose, Suicide
Actor Heath Ledger was discovered dead this afternoon in an apartment building in New York City, according to local police. He was just 28.
At 3:31 p.m., a masseuse arrived at Apartment 5A in the SoHo-area building for an appointment with Ledger, the New York Times reports.
The masseuse was let in to the home by a housekeeper, who then knocked on the door of Ledger's bedroom. No one answered. The housekeeper and the masseuse then opened the bedroom and found the actor unconscious.
The two called the authorities after they shook, but could not revive Heath Ledger. Suicide has not been ruled out in his death, but foul play has.
Pills were reportedly found strewn across the floor near where a naked Heath Ledger was found. Police say signs point to suicide or accidental overdose.
Heath Ledger (1979-2008) was found dead today in New York.
UPDATE: As of 5:47 p.m., the Times reports that the apartment Ledger was found in belongs to Mary-Kate Olsen. However, as of the same time, TMZ reports that it is not her place, nor is it connected with Mary-Kate Olsen at all.
The celebrity news site also reports that Heath Ledger had a substance abuse problem, but had been clean for a year. Contrary to several published reports, he had not been in rehab prior to this tragic incident.
UPDATE: As of 6:05 p.m., police say pills found near Ledger were prescription medication and nonprescription ... the medical examiner's office is removing the body from the scene, with an autopsy scheduled to be conducted Wednesday.
A native of Perth, Australia, Heath Ledger will probably be most remembered for his role in Brokeback Mountain (2005). Heath won wide critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal of Ennis del Mar and had just completed filming The Dark Knight.
Ledger met actress Michelle Williams while filming Brokeback Mountain. The two actors fell into a very public romance and had a daughter, Matilda Rose, on October 28, 2005. They moved to Brooklyn, but separated last year.
We will continue to provide updates on the passing of Heath Ledger as more information becomes available. May this talented star rest in peace.
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July 24th, 2008 10:11 AM
wow ledger was a homo
February 25th, 2008 12:22 AM
i'm sad.. why was this happened to Heath? RIP Ennis Del Mar :'(
January 28th, 2008 8:22 AM
Jesus..
I'm very sad..
Still RIP he will be missed..
January 26th, 2008 3:20 PM
He just finished filming The Dark Knight- sometimes actors get absorbed in the roles that they play and find it hard to let go- was this a dark movie- could it have exaggerated his depression about his own life and caused him his death, whether accidental from an overdose
January 23rd, 2008 11:06 PM
We should never junge a person until we have walked in their shoes. They are saying that it may have been suicide but also may have been accidental, either way the world has lost a talented , young and promising actor and person, and matilda has lost her daddy. If it is ruled as a suicide, I think people need to be careful of what they say if they did not know him personally and no one will ever know what was going through his head or what he may have been feeling. I feel so sorry for his family and friends as this was some shocking and unexpected tragedy. Rest in Peace.
January 23rd, 2008 6:55 PM
I should feel sorry for him but I don't. He had talent, fame and money but clearly could not handle it.
January 22nd, 2008 7:02 PM
I agree...so sad - may he rest in peace. May his daughter and family be blessed.
January 22nd, 2008 6:37 PM
this is so sad! He was such a good actor... especially in brokeback mountain ;'(
January 22nd, 2008 6:17 PM
I loved this actor my heart is broken, I'm still in shock, I did not know him personally, but would have loved to meet him one day, guess now it will be in Heaven! an adord fan always, you will be missed sadly!!!!!
January 22nd, 2008 6:09 PM
Fix the year of death. It should read 1979-2008 not 2007