Heath's Death Could Be Natural Causes

Heath LedgerIt sounds strange, but sources intimately connected with the Heath Ledger investigation tell TMZ it's possible the actor died of natural causes.

The reason they think that -- it's now appearing that the level of toxicity (from medication) in Ledger's system was low enough that it may not have caused his death. These sources say Heath's heart stopped. It could have been a heart attack but it's not certain, at least not yet. Although it's bizarre that a 28-year-old could die of natural causes, it happens.

We've also learned authorities do not believe the housekeeper heard Ledger snoring when she walked in his bedroom at around 1:00 PM. Sources tell us, a fireman observed rigor mortis in Ledger's jaw shortly after arriving on scene at around 3:30 PM. Sources say they now believe Ledger was dead for around three hours prior to their arrival, so they don't believe the housekeeper could have heard snoring.

Authorities are also annoyed at news reports that there may have been a sinister plot to remove illegal drugs from Ledger's apartment before cops and firemen arrived. There are reports out there that the masseuse called Mary-Kate Olsen and a plot was hatched to have her bodyguard remove certain drugs. Authorities tell us that's impossible, because the cops were there the entire time the bodyguard was present and there would have been no opportunity to carry out such a plan. They say it's a made up story.

As we first reported, the masseuse contacted the bodyguard because she knew he was a licensed EMT.

Reader Comments

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31. Certain heart problems like congestive heart failure can cause pulmonary enema and someone said he was fighting pneumonia. Maybe some heart condition that was never found because, at his age it is never looked for, could have been the cause. Still such a shame.

Posted at 7:31PM on Jan 26th 2008 by hollymamaof3

32. People are going to believe what they want to believe.

To Heath's friends and family, my deepest sympathy. Please know that many of his fans mourn his loss and are grateful for the talents he was able to share with us. He was a remarkable young man. May he rest in peace.

Posted at 7:31PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Lillianne

33. I Have seen 2 young people die suddenly this week. one man 33, and one 40 neither ill, nor smoke. Just had sudden fatal heart attacks and died. It happens. One had a lot of stress, and I do think stress can play an important role. I think he was under stress as well. I think it is more related to his illness than drugs. I hope for his families sake, it is ruled natural causes.

Posted at 7:29PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Lori

34. Gee No Scandel what on earth will TMZ report on?????????? I know this makes you very sad!!!!
Nanna Nanna boo boo to you!!!!
Now leave this story alone and let the poor man rest in peace and his family deal with this loss in private.

Posted at 7:31PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Have some respect!!!!!

35. It's amazing to me that anyone is taking this article seriously in the first place! They're still waiting on results, people! There's no,"It's starting to look like...." or any other speculation. Just TMZ making up a bunch more crap to try and convince people they have some "inside" information.
I agree with "Reality"--if you don't have a real story, just post some more nasty pics of the celebs who crave the media attention.

Posted at 7:31PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Get Real People

36. 22. Adrienne, you're jumping the gun a little bit. "Natural Causes" is NOT the cause of death, - as of now there IS no "actual" cause of death. It is just the prevailing CURRENT and logical opinion. The actual cause(s) won't be known for a while longer.

Posted at 7:17PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Reread It
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You are right, I was jumping the gun a bit, I agree completely. I am going to take my own advice and wait for the final autospy results before blasting off. I sure hope it was natural,

Posted at 7:31PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Adrienne

37. I just want to say that some of you are so cruel. Poor Heath Ledger is dead and all you can post are nasty rumors. Let the poor man rest in peace. He appeared to be a lovely human being and he was certainly talented and a doting father. Do not mar his name and your own charatcter with these vicious comments.

Posted at 9:31AM on Jan 27th 2008 by Krista

38. Please, people, stop this. These stories about drugs, supposition, hearsay, etc., are terrible. Out of respect for this man, his family and loved ones, wait until all of the facts have been deteremined by the experts who are investigating this terrible tragedy.

Posted at 7:35PM on Jan 26th 2008 by GeorgeS

39. Let's wait until the facts are in....regardless of how- a great talented human being has lost his life, a daughter her father, a mother and father their son, sisters their brother, and friends a friend.

There is so much being said about an apparent drug problem and his fear of losing Matlida...sources are coming form everywhere making these statements...these so called "friends " are not friends are they?
Even if true it should be kept private....

God Bless Heath and his family.

The insider is reporting that his fanily held a service in Beverly Hills for Heath. If so they managed to keep it private.
Good for them.

Posted at 7:37PM on Jan 26th 2008 by jo

40. Well she may have heard what she thought was snoring because people who have just expired can make the noise that sounds like snoring but its just the body's last fight to get oxygen. I know that noise and it does sound like snoring. Either way. it's very sad and I feel very badly for his family and friends.

Posted at 7:37PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Laura

41. Christian Brando died of natural causes too.. Sickly body from alcohol and drug abuse couldn't fight off illness? If you think of that condition as natural.

Posted at 7:38PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Sillyme

42. there is another possibility: something very rare, called "long q t syndrome." It has something to do with the heart, and can cause very sudden - with no warning - death. It seems it can be genetic, too. A couple of my relatives have this syndrome; and as to me, I may have a less problematic version, whereby I have a slow heartbeat (very useful, I am encouraged to eat salt.)

Posted at 8:17PM on Jan 26th 2008 by heathermc

43. Do these reporters live under a rock? One of the leading causes of death in young men is myocarditis - the large muscle that surrounds the heart becomes enlarged and strangles the heart. It's a virus caused from burning the candle at both ends - in Heath's case, working hard on his last picture, drinking & partying, and not sleeping - too much stress on his heart. Supposedly he had pneumonia, which could also have been a sign that wasn't properly diagnosed. That would be my guess.

Posted at 7:41PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Gailcat

44. I really hope this is true.
RIP Heath

Posted at 7:41PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Lori B

45. Hmmmm. I'm glad to see that everyone has finally listened and they will see that it was natural causes that took this man's life. A tragic loss to soon, may you be comforted in God's arms.

Posted at 7:42PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Megan

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