VOA's Latest Update on Ledger's Autopsy

Actor Heath Ledger's Initial Autopsy Results 'Inconclusive'
By VOA News 23 January 2008

Body of actor Heath Ledger is removed from Soho apartment by NYC Medical Examiner team, 22 Jan 2008

New York City medical examiners say initial autopsy results of actor Heath Ledger are inconclusive and that more tests are needed to determine the cause of his death.

The Academy-Award-nominated actor was found unconscious Tuesday in a Manhattan residence with bottles of sleeping pills nearby. He was 28-years-old.

President Bush postponed an event Wednesday, promoting an advertising campaign on preventing prescription drug abuse. White House spokeswoman Dana Perino says the administration does not want anyone to think it is tying the actor's death to the issue.

The Australian-born Ledger was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the 2005 movie Brokeback Mountain.

He will appear later this year in the newest Batman movie, The Dark Knight, in the role of "the Joker."

Ledger has a two-year-old daughter, Matilda, from his relationship with actress Michelle Williams, who played his wife in Brokeback Mountain. The couple broke up last September.

My Tribute To Heath Ledger

It was a 8.44am when the news of Heath Ledger's death came on The Star's SMS News Alert Service.

I was up unusually and doing my radio review assignment for my column Air Raves.

Since it was also Thaipusam Day, my mood was spoilt somewhat.

I first ever heard of Ledger was after his lead role in the controversial gay movie Brokeback Mountain.

When I actually saw the movie, it wasn't about sleazy sex as one might have imagined. Rather it was about an incredible struggle of two people trying to have a relationship that was frowned upon by society.


They tried their best to live out the roles that society had dictated to them but in some uncanny way, kept coming back to each other like a magnet as far as having a relationship was concerned.

As a disabled person who constantly faces discrimination almost everyday of my life, I find it extremely difficult not to be sympathetic to others who also face discrimination through other means.

Not to be empathetic would be totally hypocritical on my part.

The death of Ledger at a young age of 28 is most tragic. At the time of writing this, the cause of his death is still not known. The authorities suspect either an overdose of drugs or suicide.

If suicide was a factor, then it is truly a pity as this budding actor truly had so much going for him.

To me, I think Ledger's greatest contribution was in his support for those against homophobia.

I don't think he was gay himself. But I think people will remember him most for his support for gay people and their struggles.


It must have taken him a hell of a courage to accept the role in Brokeback Mountain. Another hero and obviously a good man is gone.

May his spirit continue to live forever and his soul rest in eternal peace.

aNt

BBC ONLINE: Heath Ledger found dead in his flat

Last Updated: Wednesday, 23 January 2008, 02:47 GMT

Heath Ledger is found dead in US

Ledger's life in film Hollywood actor Heath Ledger has been found dead at his home in Manhattan. "He was found unconscious at the apartment and pronounced dead," the New York Police Department said, adding that pills were found near the body. Police are reportedly investigating if the Australian actor - nominated for an Oscar for Brokeback Mountain - died of an overdose of prescription pills. Father Kim Ledger said that the death of his 28-year-old "dearly loved son" had been "tragic" and "accidental". Speaking in the actor's home town of Perth, in Western Australia, Mr Ledger said that his son had been a "down to earth, generous, kind hearted, life-loving, unselfish individual". "Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life that few had the pleasure of truly knowing him." The actor was found dead in the apartment he had been renting for several months at 1526 (2026 GMT) on Tuesday. Split New York police said they did not suspect foul play and that his body had been discovered with prescription pills nearby. "We are investigating the possibility of an overdose," police spokesman Paul Browne told Reuters news agency. "There were pills within the vicinity of the bed." He was just taking off and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss Mel Gibson Obituary: Heath Ledger The BBC's Matthew Price in New York says the exact cause of death was still being investigated, but suicide has not been ruled out. Police, journalists and crowds of fans gathered outside the Broome Street apartment in the fashionable SoHo area. Investigators said Ledger had been due to have a massage at the flat. His family said Heath was "generous" and "life-loving" The housekeeper went to tell him the masseuse had arrived and found him dead on Tuesday afternoon. The medical examiner's office said an autopsy would be carried out on Wednesday. In September the Perth-born actor split from his girlfriend Michelle Williams, with whom he has a two-year-old daughter, Matilda. Williams played his wife in the 2005 film Brokeback Mountain. Hollywood mourning Hollywood stars were quick to offer their tributes and mourn Ledger's death. HAVE YOUR SAY Terrible to see his young daughter lose her father. I've been looking forward to seeing him in the new Batman movie Mark, Houston Send us your comments "I had such great hope for him," said Oscar-winning actor-director Mel Gibson. "He was just taking off and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss." In 2001, Mr Gibson had cast Ledger to play his son in the American war of independence epic, The Patriot. "What a terrible tragedy. My heart goes out to his family," said fellow Australian actress Nicole Kidman. American actor John Travolta, who was in Australia at the time of Ledger's death, said the young actor had been one of his favourite performers. "His abilities are rare...it's a tremendous loss," said Mr Travolta. Brokeback breakthrough Ledger had split up with fellow Brokeback star Michelle Williams Brokeback Mountain director Ang Lee said Ledger's performance had been a "miracle" of acting, echoing a young Marlon Brando. He won an Oscar nomination for his role as a gay cowboy in the film but the award went to Philip Seymour Hoffman for his role as Truman Capote. Ledger starred in I'm Not There, as one of several actors in a role representing singer Bob Dylan. He also plays the Joker in yet-to-be-released Batman film, The Dark Knight. Ledger also starred in A Knight's Tale and The Patriot, and played a suicidal son in Monster's Ball.