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Heath Ledger Found Dead at Age 28; Family Calls It "Tragic, Untimely"
Heath Ledger by Jim Spellman/WireImage.com
Heath Ledger, a 2006 Academy Award nominee for his role in Brokeback Mountain, on Tuesday afternoon was found dead at a New York apartment he was renting.
The New York Times reports that a housekeeper found Ledger naked and unconscious on a bed. There were sleeping pills (prescription and nonprescription) near his body on a night table. Authorities were called immediately.
"[We] saw it coming," a friend of Ledger's tells Us, citing the actor's fight to stay sober. "Things were very dark. His one joy was [2-year-old daughter] Matilda. Everything else was misery for him. Unfortunately he was too late in getting help."
Ledger, 28, had Matilda in 2005 with actress Michelle Williams. The couple met on the set of Brokeback and lived in Brooklyn together until they separated last year. An autopsy will be conducted Wednesday. There was no obvious indication that Ledger had committed suicide, NYPD spokesman Paul Browne told the AP.
Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Aussie actor's father, Kim, said, "We, Heath's family, can confirm the very tragic, untimely and accidental passing of our dearly loved son, brother and doting father of Matilda. He was down-to-earth, generous, kindhearted, life-loving... [an] unselfish individual, extremely inspirational to many. Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life that few had the pleasure of truly knowing him. Please now respect our family's need to grieve and come to terms with our loss privately."
With this shocking news, is anyone taken back to the tragic death of River Phoenix? Was anyone aware of Ledger's possible battle with sobriety? Give us your thoughts. — Anna Dimond
Related:
• Jeers: Larry King flubs Heath Ledger profile
• Watch video: News coverage of Ledger's shocking death
• Watch video: Clips from many of Ledger's films
• Photo gallery: Heath Ledger's life in pictures
• Photo gallery: Stars and friends tribute Ledger
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Jan 22, 2008 4:56 PM
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This really twisted me up inside when I heard the newscaster say it. I have been looking forward to Dark Knight for months now, and this is really saddening.
I liked Heath Ledger as an actor, and I wish his family well.
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Jan 22, 2008 5:06 PM
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This is such sad news! I have sympathy for his daughter and Michelle Williams.
It will be strange now when the new Batman movie is released.
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Jan 22, 2008 5:08 PM
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WOW - a real shocker!
Britney better watch out - first it was Brad Renfro, now it's Heath Ledger. It's not in the cards to be a young celebrity living on borrowed time!
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Jan 22, 2008 5:16 PM
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I was really shocked when I got the breaking news email. I really, really liked Heath in Knight's Tale. That's one of the few movies I can watch over and over again.
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Jan 22, 2008 5:26 PM
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OMG - So sad You will be missed, Heath!
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Jan 22, 2008 5:27 PM
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These things seem to come in 3s - Amy Winehouse is in rehab so my guess is Brit for #3.
Too sad for Heath - I thought he was looking particularly unhealthy these last couple of years - if it is indeed drugs, I wonder, will people ever learn?
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Jan 22, 2008 5:27 PM
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Was looking forward to seeing Heath in the next Batman movie.......what a shocker!!!
Rest in peace Heath!!! GOD be merciful!!!
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Jan 22, 2008 5:28 PM
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Sooooo Sad..........
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Jan 22, 2008 5:28 PM
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Absolutely shocking. Goes to prove that life is short, we should live it to the fullest. I was never a huge fan, but certainly liked him.
Best wishes to his family
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Jan 22, 2008 5:29 PM
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I'm so sad. He's been one of my favorites since 10 Things I Hate About You.
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Jan 22, 2008 5:29 PM
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This is so sad and so unexpected- you just don't hear the kinds of things about Heath that seem (so far) to be indicative of this. I wish his estranged wife and his daughter,as well as the rest of his family and friends, peace during this time.
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Jan 22, 2008 5:30 PM
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It's so sad..I couldn't believe it when they broke in during the news..What a shocker..I just hope that no matter how or why it happened that everyone can just remember that he is a human being & has a beautiful daughter that now has to grow up without her father around...I know people are going to write rude & mean things because that's just the world we live in, but I pray that his daughter will grow up knowing her father loved her no matter how he died!! My prayers & sympathies go out to his family, Michelle & his daughter!!
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Jan 22, 2008 5:31 PM
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Like others before me I was shocked to see this! I actually gasped out loud! Although he has been looking awful in years past... I never saw his "druggie-antics" in the news like many others before him.... demons haunt people in all walks of life...prayers and sympathy to his family and his daughter
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Jan 22, 2008 5:32 PM
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I was stunned when I saw the news of Heath's death. How sad this is. He was such a talented young actor.
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Jan 22, 2008 5:32 PM
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