 Heath Ledger: Died of accidental drug overdose
Australian actor Heath Ledger died of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs, the New York City medical examiner's office has ruled.
The 28-year-old Heath Ledger’s body was discovered in his New York apartment on January 22. Police found in the flat six types of prescription drugs, including pills to treat anxiety and insomnia.
New York's chief medical officer, Charles Hirsch, confirmed the cause of death. “Mr Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine," said Hirsch. "We have concluded that the manner of death is accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications".
There has been much speculation surrounding the sudden death of the 28-year-old Australian, best known for his portrayal of a gay cowboy in Brokeback Mountain, who was found dead in his Manhattan apartment on January 22.
An autopsy the following day failed to establish a definitive cause of death. Police reported at the time that they had found a variety of prescription and non-prescription medicines at the apartment, and a rolled up $20 note, but no illegal drugs.
"This was not a deliberate attempt to kill himself. This was an accident," said Lawrence Kobilinsky, head of forensic science at John Jay College in New York. He had no role in the investigation. "He just took too many drugs having similar effects on the central nervous system."
Heath Ledger's parents and other close relatives arrived Tuesday in Perth after spending nearly two weeks in the U.S. immediately following his death. There was no indication that Heath Ledger's remains have arrived in Australia, and there was no sign of activity at the family's plot in Karrakatta Cemetery on Wednesday.
The pavement outside the apartment remains a shrine to the star, two weeks on, as fans have left candles, flowers and notes. |
News / Gossips by mrs_collier
