Heath Ledger’s family, along with Heath’s rep, are stating that Heath’s death was accidental. A spokesperson for the NYPD also stated last night there was no “obvious indication of suicide.” TMZ reports the NYPD’s current operating theory is the death was an accident. An autopsy will be conducted later today, according to the Associated Press. The following statement was issued by the family:
We, Heath’s family, confirm, the very tragic, untimely and accidental passing of our dearly loved son, brother and doting father of Matilda. He was found peacefully asleep in his New York apartment by his housekeeper at 3:30 p.m. U.S. time.
We would like to thank our friends and everyone around the world for their well wishes and kind thoughts at this time. Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life but few had the pleasure of truly knowing him.
He was a down to earth, generous, kind-hearted, life-loving and selfless individual who was extremely inspirational to many. Please now respect our families need to grieve and come to terms with our loss privately.
The above picture was taken over the weekend on the set of Heath Ledger’s latest film The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. The film was being shot in London and many are speculating that Heath was suffering from jet lag when he arrived back in New York on Monday hence the prescription sleeping pills.
Before I get back to business as usual this morning, I’d like to offer my personal condolences to Heath Ledger’s family and friends. Particularly his daughter Matilda Rose. Heath was a quiet guy, but he would always speak fondly of her. He was recently quoted as saying “I feel good about dying because I feel alive through her.”
Heath Ledger 1979 – 2008.
UPDATE: The initial autopsy proved inconclusive, according to the AP.
WhoCares | January 23, 2008 at 9:53 am
First
Ted from LA | January 23, 2008 at 9:53 am
If Pastor Phelps protested at the funeral of one of my loved ones I would punch him as hard as I could right in the face.
joeypants | January 23, 2008 at 9:54 am
R.I.P.
Christal | January 23, 2008 at 9:57 am
I feel a lot sadder than I think I should, about this. R.I.P, Heath. And Bless your family, and especially your daughter.
Rusting Rabbit | January 23, 2008 at 9:59 am
It’s too bad, I just recently got into him as an actor and was eager to see what was coming down the pipeline for him.
Caleb | January 23, 2008 at 10:00 am
I’m really proud and happy that you put such a positive post like this; this guy deserved that above all else. Thanks for the awesome reminder of what a good guy he was. And that quote: just beautiful.
Ript1&0 | January 23, 2008 at 10:01 am
That was beautiful, Fish.
I’ve never seen this guy’s work, but he seemed like a really nice person. RIP
Shallow Val | January 23, 2008 at 10:01 am
FUCK! I’m so angry. The poor little kid….(tsk!).
List of those very talented who were taken too early by accident:
Heath Ledger
River Phoenix
Jeff Buckley
Grace Kelly
Jean Harlow
Aaliyah
Kurt Cobain (dammit, that was an accident I say!!!)
Brad from Sublime (OK, that was his fault but still…)
Caleb | January 23, 2008 at 10:03 am
I’m really proud and happy that you put such a positive post like this; this guy deserved that above all else. Thanks for the awesome reminder of what a good guy he was. And that quote: just beautiful.
Scientologist for you | January 23, 2008 at 10:03 am
We are losing too many young people these days to the psychological stresses of a world that does not nuture the spirit. We here at Scietology offer a beacon of hope to the downtrodden and misdirected.
For info. on becoming an elite member of our orgainiztion you can leave me a response…I am here for you!
Respectfully
cait | January 23, 2008 at 10:04 am
i second what #6 said. heath ledger always seemed like a loving, carefree guy and to hear that he died is truly sad. he was way too young to pass and he had a lot more in him. no matter what people say about brokeback being his “only hit” i think most people will remember him for his whole collection of work and how amazing his performance in batman:the dark knight will be when it comes out this summer.
Casual_Reader | January 23, 2008 at 10:04 am
He’s one of the few actors that I could truly respect.
life | January 23, 2008 at 10:05 am
very very sad. he will be missed!
Caleb | January 23, 2008 at 10:06 am
Either this “Scientology for you” guy’s a brilliant jokester or a talking cunt who wants to sell you a $15,000 vibrator. You decide, America!
Caleb | January 23, 2008 at 10:07 am
Either this “Scientology for you” guy’s a brilliant jokester or a talking cunt who wants to sell you a $15,000 vibrator. You decide, America!
RichPort | January 23, 2008 at 10:08 am
Anyone know where I can get that shirt?
Bogdana | January 23, 2008 at 10:11 am
this just really sucks. why couldn’t it have been howard stern or something?
Gerald_Tarrant | January 23, 2008 at 10:12 am
Ok, so we now find out the the Fish is run by Jake Gyllenhal. Boohoo, another dead millionaire. If I wept over every “nice guy” who died I would spend every waking minute crying. Good fathers die every day. What makes Heath’s death more tragic than any other? The fact that his daughter will never have to work if she doesn’t want? Someone get me a tissue.
Bogdana | January 23, 2008 at 10:13 am
also it seems weird that Kate Hudsons ex boyfriends either die or want to die.
Pat | January 23, 2008 at 10:14 am
Not to be insensitive, as surely this is all very sad, but doesn’t this go to show just how doomed every Terry Gilliam production is to either suck (like his last two) or have everything go wrong during production (like his everything else)?
But yeah, Heath Ledger was just turning out to be a respectable actor, making a nice turnaround from all those “I’m Heath Ledger in a crappy movie only 13 year-old girls will like” movies. It’s sad that this happened just as he was becoming truly successful and showing his staying power. Also, the 1 year-old daughter thing sucks too.
fergernauster | January 23, 2008 at 10:14 am
I never fancied him or saw any of his flicks. Then why am I rather sullen today?
Odd.
Perhaps it’s because I have young children and feel deeply empathetic for Ledger’s child. Even though I can at times be a callous cod, there is without a doubt truth to the fact that being a parent changes you and oils the soul with increased compassion.
Lisa | January 23, 2008 at 10:14 am
Beautiful post, thank you.
Cate | January 23, 2008 at 10:19 am
Fish, that was a fantastic post. Normally I’d bitch at you for being all wimpy, but seriously, Heath deserved it. Thank you.
Heath… my God. So sad.
Ive been a fan for about 8 years now. I remember in middle school and high school, my friends and I would throw him a birthday party on April 4th every year. We’d bring balloons to school and cake and everything. Such good memories.
R.I.P. Heath. Shame to lose such a talented actor at such a young age.
theShizaan | January 23, 2008 at 10:24 am
R.I.P. Heath. You will be missed.
fergernauster | January 23, 2008 at 10:25 am
… just studying some of the pics of him on here and a couple udder sites.
(He WAS rather “Depp-ish”, wasn’t he…)
Looking forward – not morbidly; simply for interest’s sake – to the autopsy results…
Chauncey Gardner | January 23, 2008 at 10:25 am
It’s a shame. I was really starting to appreciate him as an actor.
walter johnson | January 23, 2008 at 10:26 am
if only the masseuse showed up ten minutes earlier for your appointment. i am very sorry, rest in peace.
Ms. Pants | January 23, 2008 at 10:27 am
Thanks for having the tact that TMZ seriously lacks. Generally, I come here for your witty lack of tact, but in this case, well done! :-)
Tim | January 23, 2008 at 10:28 am
HAHAHAHAHA!!!
I cant stop laughing about this…its hilarious!
ian | January 23, 2008 at 10:28 am
what the hell is “U.S. time”?
celeb | January 23, 2008 at 10:31 am
Hope he lives in peace. I saw his profile on millionaire dating site WealthyRomance.com last Oct where Charlie Sheen found his new match last March. I will ask that webmaster to delete his profile.
Guy | January 23, 2008 at 10:33 am
Fuck you &31
fergernauster | January 23, 2008 at 10:38 am
Hey… “celeb”… (#31)… I hope you “live in peace” also.
Sweet Jesus.
How’s the weather in Delhi?
Superbad | January 23, 2008 at 10:39 am
let’s put a smile on that face
Superbad | January 23, 2008 at 10:42 am
Heath ledger’s Joker sounds like Tom Cruise.. listen to the laughter
Felicity | January 23, 2008 at 10:43 am
#10
not the time….i resent people who play on people’s grief to furthur thier own causes. He’s a young man that died in an accident. AC-CI-DENT. Sound it out. It’s not some sign from Xenu.
lg | January 23, 2008 at 10:51 am
We always mourn the loss of the young ones.
fergernauster | January 23, 2008 at 10:53 am
And speaking of Tom Cruise… isn’t it sadly ironical that he continues to live and *gasp* thrive in some primitive, demented manner while seemingly quality folks like this Ledger fellow perish?
mimi | January 23, 2008 at 10:55 am
COME ON ASSHOLES!
Tear this guy apart like you would if it was SOME STUPID FEMALE letting herself OD.
You woman hating men CARE NOW?
I don’t believe any of you A-holes that post here give a crap about ANYONE!
fergernauster | January 23, 2008 at 10:58 am
Mimi = on-the-rag.
Superbad | January 23, 2008 at 11:00 am
#40 LOOOOL
#36 NOW is the Time...More than ever | January 23, 2008 at 11:01 am
A glorious future lies before all of mankind. Do not think so negatively about this time and this one life, although it is a pity. There are unknown souls all over the world at his very minute being lost forever and though they may not be rich and famous they are just as worthy.
At scientology we do not “act” as imposters, we act as in ACTION!
Act now before it is too late!
Mike | January 23, 2008 at 11:02 am
Those asshats from Westboro Baptist Church are going to be picketing Heath’s funeral as well.
Here’s the flier link someone posted in another forum:
http://www.godhatesfags.com/written/fliers/20080122_heath-ledger-brokeback-mountain.pdf
nipolian | January 23, 2008 at 11:03 am
#8……..How about:
John Belushi
John Candy
Chris Farley
Jim Morrison
Janis Joplin
Michael Hutchence
Just to name a few more.
Scientologists do not Act Accidentally | January 23, 2008 at 11:07 am
Every motion every word with us has immediate intention. We are not acting, this is serious. It breaks our hearts to see anyone pass on that need not. LIfe is for living to the fullest. This young man is like so very many in these times. Worthout movement in the right direction – guidance!
We are here for all of you.
Respectfully
10pound | January 23, 2008 at 11:07 am
A list of people who deserve to die much more than Heath Ledger
Britney Spears
Lindsey Lohan
Paris Hilton
Perez Hilton
Kevin Federline
Amy Winehouse
Heidi Montag and that Pratt douche bag she hangs with
Ryan Seacrest
Paula Abdul
Simon Cowel…screw it…EVERYONE from American Idol
J-Lo
Tom Cruise
Bollocks, this list could go on an on….finish it for me
Biff Henderson | January 23, 2008 at 11:12 am
Rest in Peace. Helluva actor and it seems a person too.
The Office Whore | January 23, 2008 at 11:13 am
@43 and everyone else that isn’t a homosexual bashing fuckwad. There is a phone number associated with this church saying Heath is in hell. Let’s give them a little fun today, eh? Fuck, I hate ignorant fuckfaces..
Here’s the link
http://i29.tinypic.com/o93lgl.jpg
And here’s the phone number:
785- 273- 0325
I think that’s it. The print is really small….
RichPort | January 23, 2008 at 11:15 am
#39 – mimi, blow me me.
Megan | January 23, 2008 at 11:15 am
This is so sad. I’m rarely touched by celebrities dying but when I found out yesterday I just got really sad. He was really at the prime of his career, many people were starting to really know who he is and respect him as an actor. So tragic.