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.