"I had such great hope for him," said Mel Gibson, who played Ledger's vengeful father in "The Patriot," in a statement. "He was just taking off and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss."An autopsy was planned for Wednesday, medical examiner's office spokeswoman Ellen Borakove said. Heath Ledger passed away on Tuesday, we don't have too much information now, we will keep you posted! It is believed he died of a drug overdose. Sleeping pill bottles were found next to his body but it is unknown as of now how many he took. His body was found at a downtown apartment in Manhattan that he was subletting from Mary Kate Olsen.
Update: The Australian-born actor was 28.
NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said Ledger had an appointment for a massage at the Manhattan apartment believed to be his home. The housekeeper who went to let Ledger know the masseuse was there found him dead at 3:26 p.m.
Ledger is known for roles in the films "10 Things I Hate About You," "The Patriot" and "Brokeback Mountain," for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Lead Actor. His latest project includes the upcoming Batman film, "The Dark Knight," where he played the role of The Joker.
The Australian-born actor met his wife on the set of “Brokeback Mountain,” actress Michelle Williams, in 2005. Ledger and Williams had lived in Brooklyn and had a daughter, Matilda, until they split up last year.
Another update: The masseuse was let in to the home by a housekeeper, who then knocked on the door of Mr. Ledger’s bedroom. When no one answered, the housekeeper and the masseuse opened the bedroom and found Mr. Ledger unconscious. They shook him, but he did not respond. They immediately called the authorities. The police said they did not suspect foul play. Officials said pills were found near the body.
NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said Ledger had an appointment for a massage at the Manhattan apartment believed to be his home. The housekeeper who went to let Ledger know the masseuse was there found him dead at 3:26 p.m.
Ledger is known for roles in the films "10 Things I Hate About You," "The Patriot" and "Brokeback Mountain," for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Lead Actor. His latest project includes the upcoming Batman film, "The Dark Knight," where he played the role of The Joker.The Australian-born actor met his wife on the set of “Brokeback Mountain,” actress Michelle Williams, in 2005. Ledger and Williams had lived in Brooklyn and had a daughter, Matilda, until they split up last year.
Another update: The masseuse was let in to the home by a housekeeper, who then knocked on the door of Mr. Ledger’s bedroom. When no one answered, the housekeeper and the masseuse opened the bedroom and found Mr. Ledger unconscious. They shook him, but he did not respond. They immediately called the authorities. The police said they did not suspect foul play. Officials said pills were found near the body.
Update 3: According to the New York Times, Ledger was found naked and unconscious with pills strewn all around him in an apartment owned by actress Mary-Kate Olsen.
