Heath Ledger is Dead

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

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...

Filed under: R.I.P., Heath Ledger

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1216. OMG are you fer real??!!?

he was soooo hot.
idk if he banged a guy or not!
omg my heart is incomplete now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted at 9:32PM on Jan 29th 2008 by Hope

1217. you'd think he would have hired a better housekeeper... what the hell was this woman doing for 3 hours? she "thought he was snoring?" more like his last gasps of air,,,,,,, i am sick for his loss.....

Posted at 10:49PM on Jan 29th 2008 by tom

1218. To chitown
You need to get a life and have some respect for the dead. I take it by your comment that you have never lost someone you love. Have respect for the dead!

Posted at 11:28PM on Jan 29th 2008 by havesomerespect

1219. You need to get a life and have some respect for the dead. I take it by your comment that you have never lost someone you love, or respect. Have respect for those who knew and loved him. He was never one who was associated with the wild ones. Be a respectful and true human being, this also goes for all who have no respect for the dead and those who speculate without all the facts. Please have some respect for Heath who lost a very promising life, and his family and friends who loved him. Let him rest in peace without all the disrespect that you and others who have left their disrepectful, and in my opinion, discusting remarks for someone who had a great and promising life ahead of him Leave your opinions to yourself and let those grieve without the "crap" you spout without all the true facts of his death. I lost someone by an accidental overdose, and if it turns out that was the cause of death, it is NOT his fault, nor is it something he did by choice. Get educated on the facts. And if you still believe, you are a pathetic, insensative individual

Posted at 12:02AM on Jan 30th 2008 by havesomerespect

1220. This is sad..

Posted at 7:29AM on Jan 30th 2008 by ahotchick

1221. TT_TT NOOOOOOO!!!!! *crying*

Posted at 12:48PM on Jan 30th 2008 by Kym

1222. number 9 comment by chi town its michelle williams and not as stated on ur comment.
i think is such a shame and desperately sad for michelle williams and all his family

Posted at 1:12PM on Jan 30th 2008 by myssy

1223. i cant believe some of the sick comments from people about the death of heath ledger. he was a son brother and a little girls daddy and those who mock what is so desperately sad should be totally ashamed of themselves
r i p heathgone way too soon and will be greatly missed

Posted at 1:14PM on Jan 30th 2008 by myssy

1224. Personally, I only saw one movie he was in and I congradulate him in playing such a role in Broke Back Mountain. I have read some of the comments on here and I dont understand why people would say bad things about anyone who has just died and left a child without a father. It doesnt matter what he may have done or didnt do. He was a person and he deserves our respect.

Posted at 11:16PM on Jan 30th 2008 by Betty

1225. This article hasnt been updated since the original announcement.
the australian media have a lot more information:

heres a link to a whole section on Heath Ledger: http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/confidential/indepth/feature/0,22045,5015791,00.html

Posted at 3:21AM on Jan 31st 2008 by Zoro

1226. This sucks another great actor gone from this world, my prayers go out to his daughter and family....

Posted at 10:10AM on Jan 31st 2008 by fresnopixie

1227. The question I dont see asked yet is "Why" would he have 5 or 6 different perscriptions for sleep and anxiety medicines.? Especially if he was being treated for "Pneumonia"???!!I mean it brings to mind the "Anna Nicole Smith" saga and the price of Celebrity. When I watched Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew the celebrities ( or ex celebrities) were talking about how drugs etc were thrown at them for free.
It begs the question of unethical doctors and others and I am just so sad for his baby and the babies mum.
He was too young and its all very unbelievable and so tragic..Great Talent and he will be missed...sad indeed.
In the end I suppose it was also his own fault if he did not take the medications as were perscribed but there needs to be better healthcare initiatives for everyone not just the rich and famous.
For cripes sakes I was in so much pain one day ( Car accident/hit and run) and was told to take 2 advil and rest..okay enough said..

Posted at 11:06PM on Jan 31st 2008 by becky

1228. Self absorbed drug addict, adios LOSER.

Posted at 9:48AM on Feb 1st 2008 by Garrett

1229. OMG! I loved him soooo much and if anybody makes fun of him i will KILL u! I LOVE YOU HEATH!!!!!! REST IN PEACE!!!!!

Posted at 10:46AM on Feb 1st 2008 by Victoria

1230. My hart goes out to his family . For my family also lose a love one to pills. I'm so sorry

Posted at 2:40PM on Feb 1st 2008 by cathy

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