Heath Ledger found dead in New York apartment

Posted by heatworld on Tuesday 22 Jan 2008

Filed under: Heath Ledger

UPDATED: Heath Ledger has been found dead at an apartment in New York City. The Oscar-nominated actor, who was found face down on the bed, was discovered by the apartment's housekeeper just after 3pm this afternoon (New York time) when she went to wake him for a massage appointment. Prescription drugs were found scattered around the bed.

Heath split from Michelle Williams, the mother of his only child Matilda, last year. Michelle had recently left New York to set up a new life on the West Coast.

UPDATE: Police have now confirmed that, contrary to rumours, the apartment was not in any way related to Mary Kate Olsen. It's also believed that the prescription drugs found around the bed were sleeping pills. Police believe his death was accidental, but an autopsy will be carried out tomorrow.

UPDATE: The presidents of Warner Brothers, who have produced the latest Batman film, which stars Heath, have released the following statement: "The studio is stunned and devastated by this tragic news. The entertainment community has lost an enormous talent. Heath was a brilliant actor and an exceptional person. Our hearts go out to his family and friends."

UPDATE: Uncomfirmed reports are now emerging from the US suggesting that Heath had been suffering from pneumonia. Representatives for Heath's family say he definitely would not have taken his own life. It's also rumoured that Michelle Williams is currently on a flight from Sweden, where she's been filming, to the US, and may not have yet heard the tragic news.