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R.I.P.
Heath Ledger is Dead

Posted Jan 22nd 2008 4:40PM by TMZ Staff

Heath Ledger TMZ has learned that 2006 Academy Award nominee Heath Ledger has died in NY.

He was found dead in his bed in one of his residences in Soho by his housekeeper at 3:35 PM ET today. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ they believe it was not a crime, adding that prescription pills were found near his body.

According to NYPD a masseuse arrived at Ledger's apartment and was let in by a housekeeper. When Ledger didn't answer his bedroom door, the housekeeper and the masseuse opened it and found him unconscious. They attempted to wake him; when they couldn't, they called 911.

We're told when paramedics responded, the actor was in full cardiac arrest. They attempted to perform CPR on him, but were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 28-year-old actor has a two year old daughter with former fiancee Michelle Williams -- they separated in September, 2007. He plays The Joker in the upcoming Batman film, "The Dark Knight" and is perhaps best known for his groundbreaking role as Ennis in "Brokeback Mountain."

We're told Heath had dinner last night with his model girlfriend Gemma Ward.

Story developing...

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61. What a loss. A great actor who was developing into an icon, now gone. His talent will be sadly missed but his work will live on and the memories will survive.

Tim Van Rellim
Producer, 'A Knights Tale'

Posted at 11:12PM on Jan 23rd 2008 by Producer - 'A Knights Tale'

62. just finsh watching fox new at 11pm sound pure accidental fox said he had insomiameds, antianxiety med(antidepressants), antihistamine (common cold med) which iguess could be both night and daytime cold med. all three meds either slow down your heart and causes you to sleep. sounds like he had a cold and forgot to read the label on the cold med. and should not have taken the insomia medicene with the cold medicene. a combination that any humanbeing could by mistake do and endup with the same terrible results. SO PEOPLE WITH MEDICENE PLEASE PLEASE READ THE LABELS BEFORE YOU TAKE THEM.

Posted at 11:51PM on Jan 23rd 2008 by spike

63. i am so sorry for heath's family and friends.ipray for them and for his precious daughter.

Posted at 12:21AM on Jan 24th 2008 by karn45

64. He was great. I loved everything about him. It's too bad he died so young. He had much more to do, but never got around to doing it. I loved him deeply. We will miss you, Heath. Go with the angels, dear.

Posted at 12:58AM on Jan 24th 2008 by Abigail

65. HEATH WAS JUST TOO YOUNG WITH EVERYTHING GOING FOR HIM. HE WILL BE MISSED. IF ANYONE ONLINE SAYS ANYTHING BAD ABOUT HIS DEATH, THEN SHAME ON YOU. HE WAS A PERSON TOO.

Posted at 12:56AM on Jan 24th 2008 by Abigail

66. I was watching some of the TV coverage tonight and after watching the role he plays as a young Joker, I remembered that face before: Brandon Lee in the movie The Crow. Here was another actor who lost his life so early in his career, a tragic death just when he was starting to gain the next level of media attention, amazingly at the same age of 28. I wonder if anyone else noticed this similarity.
Rest in peace.

Posted at 10:15PM on Jan 24th 2008 by newtothis

67. Heath was an awesome actor and he doesn't deserve to be portrayed the way people are making him look now that he's gone. Newtothis, I also noticed all the similarities between Heath's death and Brandon Lee's and it sent chills up my spine. Lastly, TMZ, normally I love you, but please quit following the family around. I saw the video of Michelle Williams' mom and that was just crap. Seriously, you are sitting there apologizing and yet you don't just walk away and let her be. This time is hard enough without you guys shoving cameras in her face. I know it's "your jobs" or whatever, but be human. A family member or close friend dies. Would you really want strangers shoving cameras in your face asking you how you feel about it?
Heath- RIP. You will be missed.

Posted at 7:18AM on Jan 24th 2008 by Amy

68. New Zealand mourns a fine Southern Hemisphere actor.

Posted at 4:16PM on Jan 24th 2008 by Kiwigirl

69. Terribly sad news. RIP Heath. The world misses you.

Cool Heath Ledger photos from the Dark Knight (2008) http://www.squidoo.com/darkknight that I found today. Haven't seen some of the Heath Ledger photos anywhere else.

~Ethan

Posted at 3:11AM on Jan 24th 2008 by Ethan Meadow

70. It was just his time, unfortunately. God takes us all when he wants us. Heath was incredibly talented. God takes some of His best creations back too early. Rest in Peace

Posted at 3:53AM on Jan 24th 2008 by amanda

71. This is very horrible he was a great guy and had his entire life ahead of him with great things to come for he and his daughter he didnt deserve this everyone deserves a sencond chance. You cant tell me all you are perfect and have never done anything worng YEAH RIGHT!!!

Posted at 7:13AM on Jan 24th 2008 by RI Girl

72. as far as his role in brokeback he was friggin great and all of you aren't man enough to play a role it takes a real man to play those roles and thats what he was and will always be. Get over yourself anyway it was a friggin movie. Everyone deserves the right to be happy with whom ever they choice.

Posted at 7:18AM on Jan 24th 2008 by RI Girl

73. Even though many of us don't know these talented stars, it can touch us in many ways when they are gone. It seems that so many have soooooooo much, yet something is missing. Sometimes I think that stars are so fortunate and at times, wished I could be in the spotlight, yet it doesn't seem as bright for some. RIP Heath. You will be missed by many.

Posted at 9:55AM on Jan 24th 2008 by preciouseyes3

74. Who cares, people are dying all the time.

Posted at 10:13AM on Jan 24th 2008 by 222

75. It's just so shocking... sure people die everyday and its still a tradgedy evetime it happens, but Heath is in the public eye, you've seen him play in many roles, seeing differant sides of his personality and i guess you feel as if you "know" him. To me, why its such a shock andincrediy sad is because you wouldnt expect him to die so suddenly, especially meanwhile theres all these other celebrities whom everyday theres a new DUI charge, threres someone entering rehab, celebrities caught on tap doing heavy drugs. With Heath, no ones every really assoiated him with any of those things. RIP, we will miss you and God bless you and your family.

Posted at 7:29PM on Jan 24th 2008 by SM

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