Heath’s devastated family learned of their son's death from the news, according to Heath’s uncle, Neil Bell, who was also Heath’s personal assistant. Bell told family friend Paul Barresi that, “The last thing that Heath would want to do is throw it all away. He was very happy living in New York. His mother and father (in Australia) heard of his death on the news. We are all devastated. The whole family is devastated over his death, and more so over having to learn of his death from the media.”
Heath's parents read out the following heartbreaking statement about their son's death last night. They said:
"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 family's need to grieve and come to terms with our loss privately."
Heath's family release statement