Autopsy reveals overdose killed Heath Ledger

Former fiancee and “Brokeback Mountain” co-star Michelle Williams, left, and sister Kate Ledger arrive at a memorial service for the late Hollywood actor Heath Ledger in, Australia, on Feb. 9

After weeks of waiting, authorities in New York City finally released what they believe killed actor Heath Ledger. Autopsy results from a Feb. 6 test showed that Ledger’s death was proven accidental.

According to New York City medical examiner’s office, the death was an accidental “abuse of prescription medications.” The autopsy showed Ledger had six drugs in his system at the time of his death, including two pain killers, three anti-anxiety medications and a sleep aid, according to The New York Times.
At the scene, there was no suicide note found, illegal drugs or any signs of foul play, according to the police.
The Perth, Australia, native was found unresponsive in his SoHo apartment by his masseuse and housekeeper with prescription sleeping pills on the nightstand next to the bed. Ledger was 28-years-old.

After hearing of the drugs found in Ledger’s body, NYU Medical Center psychiatrist Dr. Vatsal G. Thakkar said in a statement, “Six different sedative drugs in Heath Ledger’s system show something was amiss. Whether that was in taking combinations of drugs without proper medical guidance or sloppy prescribing, it was an unfortunate situation and with a tragic outcome.”

The “Brokeback Mountain” star left behind a two-year-old daughter, Matilda.  Actress Michelle Williams is Matilda’s mother and Ledger’s former girlfriend.
In an interview prior to his death, David “The Mossman” Moss of Fox 8 in Cleveland asked Ledger about Matilda. The actor eerily responded by saying, “You also look a death differently. It’s like a Catch-22. I feel good about dying now because I feel like I’m alive in her.” He continued to say that he also feels that he needs to be here for her. This was one of Heath Ledger’s last interviews prior to his death.
John Carroll University students had a wide range of reactions concerning the news of Ledger’s death.

“It’s a really bad loss for the movie industry. He was such a big talent at such a young age,” said sophomore Joseph Toohey.
Sophomore Andrew Merchant added, “I was shocked to hear it was drug-related because he was such a well-respected actor and man.”
Ledger’s final movie, “The Dark Knight,” is still expected to be released on time despite the inability of Ledger to provide voiceovers for his character. The movie is scheduled to be released July 18.

Heath Ledger was a veteren of the motion picture industry.
He starred in successful movies such as “10 Things I Hate About You,” “The Patriot,” and “A Knights Tale.”  
Ledger was nominated for an Academy Award in 2005 in the category of “Best Actor in a Leading Role” for his portrayl of a gay cowboy in the critically acclaimed “Brokeback Mountain.”

He also won two MTV Movie Awards, according to the AP.