The New York City medical examiner’s office announced Wednesday that actor Heath Ledger died of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs.

“Mr. Heath Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam and doxylamine,” Ellen Borakave, spokesperson for Office of Chief Medical Examiner, said in a statement.

Heath’s father, Kim Ledger, released a statement following the release of the Medical Examiner’s findings:

“We remain humble as parents and a family, among millions of people worldwide who may have suffered the tragic loss of a child. Few can understand the hollow, wrenching, and enduring agony parents silently suffer when a child predeceases them. Today’s results put an end to speculation, but our son’s beautiful spirit and enduring memory will forever remain in our hearts. While no medications were taken in excess, we learned today the combination of doctor-prescribed drugs proved lethal for our boy. Heath’s accidental death serves as a caution to the hidden dangers of combining prescription medication, even at low dosage. CONTINUE READING

It has been reported by the Associated Press that actor Heath Ledger, famous for his role in “Brokeback Mountain,” was found dead in his Manhattan apartment at around 3:30 PM. Police say that his death may have been drug related, as there were pills found around his body. According to an NYPD spokesman, the actor had an appointment with a masseuse in his Soho apartment, and when the housekeep went into his room to alert him that the massage therapist was there, he was dead. He did not respond when he was shaken, and the housekeeper then proceeded to call 911, as reported by the New York Times. He was officially pronounced dead at around 3:45 P.M. He was 28 years old. Authorities said that they did not suspect any foul play.

Ledger leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter with actress Michelle Williams, and was currently filming a movie “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus.” He is set to play The Joker in an upcoming remake of Batman. If I am not mistaken, filming for that movie has already wrapped.

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