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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76. i dont believe drugs were involved...let the man rest in peace people.

Posted at 8:20PM on Jan 26th 2008 by NumberOneStylist

77. Was the maid and massage therapist searched for drugs?????

Posted at 8:22PM on Jan 26th 2008 by dc

78. Amazing how so many are reading this as 100% set in stone, when in fact the headline says "could be"....I just wish the media would keep quiet until ALL the facts are in...All these stupid rumors are doing no service to the memory his daughter will one day learn about. A tragic end to a young man's life, no matter what the cause may be.

Posted at 8:25PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Realist

79. If you're not interested in knowing how Heath died, why are we all here at TMZ discussing it?

Posted at 8:24PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Magan

80. HEATH HAD AIDS from breaking that poor cowboys back

Posted at 8:33PM on Jan 26th 2008 by TMZZMT

81. Common people, Michelle kicked him out because of drug abuse.

He was wasted and died like Elvis, except he landed on the floor instead of the can.

Posted at 8:26PM on Jan 26th 2008 by 19 Minutes..."I have an idea: call 9-1-1!"

82. Dying from natural causes happens, unfortunately. My 18 year old cousin, who was perfectly healthy just died in her sleep. They did an autopsy and it came up with nothing. Her heart just stopped and they couldn't figure out why.

Posted at 8:27PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Speaking from experience...

83. THIS MAN JUST GOT DONE FILMING MOVIE IN ENGAND { WHERE IT'S WINTER RIGHT NOW } JUMPED ON PLANE FOR HOME WITH PNUMONIA, THIS IS AN ILLNESS THAT DEHEYDRATES THE BODY VERY QUIKLY, THAT CAN DAMADGE THE HART. HE WILL BE MISED.

Posted at 8:29PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Robert

84. rhinestone cowboy

Posted at 8:53PM on Jan 26th 2008 by TMZZMT

85. nothing "strange" about this at all. people of all ages die for all sorts of 'natural' reasons. all this garbage abour "drugs" or a "hollywood lifestyle" is just that : garbage.

Posted at 8:35PM on Jan 26th 2008 by el polacko

86. cowboys like it both ways

Posted at 8:54PM on Jan 26th 2008 by TMZZMT

87. It's rare fo a man as young as Heath to die of a heart attack. I strongly believe he died of a broken heart!

Posted at 8:34PM on Jan 26th 2008 by MZ50

88. ....we are all obviously speculating here...with that said, clearly he had cardiac arrest, he was overtired, stessed out, probably had crazy adrenaline going on because of all of his travel and lack of sleep, throw in some sleeping aids...and bam...a major arrrhythmic event.

Posted at 8:36PM on Jan 26th 2008 by jr

89. yee haw homo cowboys forever

Posted at 8:54PM on Jan 26th 2008 by TMZZMT

90. It seems to me that the majority of Media outlets (news, magazines, nightly entertainment shows, etc.) have become disrespectful, speculate and start rumors before the facts come in; the same applies to trashing reputations. When it comes down to it, ratings are what keep the "shows" going, and common decency doesn't mean a thing anymore.

Posted at 8:41PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Cheryl

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