Devastated Jake struggles to deal with Heath’s death

Posted by heatworld on Wednesday 30 Jan 2008

Filed under: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal

While many stars have issued emotional tributes to Heath Ledger, his best friend Jake Gyllenhaal has remained silent following the actor’s tragic death last week. And now sources on the set of Jake’s new movie says he’s taken the news harder than most people. “This has had a strong personal affect on Jake,” says a friend on the set of prison movie Brother. “He was there, but he wasn't with us. It was obviously a major trauma. These guys were very close.” Only a few weeks before Heath’s death, Jake – who is godfather to Heath’s daughter Matilda – jokingly stuck a picture of Heath on the wall of his on-set cell. “Like prisoners who put loved ones on a wall, Jake’s was Heath Ledger,” says the source. “That was hilarious. It was a nice moment. When you think back on it now, it’s touching.” After shooting some extra scenes for the movie in New Mexico, Jake is now on compassionate leave and has been seen with girlfriend Reese Witherspoon in Los Angeles, although it’s thought he’ll fly to Perth, Australia, for the funeral.