Star Offenders

First of all, I must say that the news of Heath Ledger’s passing is so tragic and sad. What a talented actor! He will be missed!!!

The New York Times first reported that Heath Ledger was found dead:

At 3:31 p.m., according to the police, a masseuse arrived at the fourth-floor apartment of the building, at 421 Broome Street, between Crosby and Lafayette Streets in SoHo, for an appointment with Mr. Ledger. The masseuse was let in to the home by a housekeeper, who then knocked on the door of the bedroom Mr. Ledger was in. When no one answered, the housekeeper and the masseuse opened the bedroom and found Mr. Ledger naked and unconscious on a bed, with sleeping pills — both prescription medication and nonprescription — on a night table. They attempted to revive him, but he did not respond. They immediately called the authorities. As the news reports spread quickly, throngs of people gathered in the neighborhood.

When paramedics arrived, Heath was pronounced DOA after they attempted CPR.

Law enforcement officials claimed that his body was found laying face down, naked on the floor. There were no signs of trauma and there were prescription drug bottles all over the floor.

It was then rumored that Heath was subletting an apartment from Mary-Kate Olsen. This was later found to be untrue.

A source close to Heath said that the star had been battling drugs, but was clean for over a year. The death was said to have been accidental.

Law enforcement officials said it’s still too early to make a determination as to whether or not Heath’s death was accidental or suicide.

The medical examiner came and retrieved Heath’s body in a black body bag.

Warner Brothers released this statement:

“The studio is stunned and devastated by this tragic news. The entertainment community has lost an enormous talent. Heath was a brilliant actor and an exceptional person. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.”

TMZ then reported that Heath had been sick with pneumonia. The family said that Heath’s death was not a suicide.

It was found that Heath’s body was originally found naked on the bed due to emergency workers moving him to the floor to try to resuscitate him.

Michelle Williams learned of her ex-husband’s passing and was said to have been devastated. She got on a plane to New York right then.

The Deputy Commissioner for Public Information of the New York Police Department had a press conference last night regarding the death of Heath Ledger.

He confirmed:

• The deceased was discovered by a masseuse and a housekeeper at approximately 2:45 p.m. today.

• The masseuse was there for a regular appointment.

• The deceased was found in his bedroom.

• The deceased was lying on the floor, curled up, at the foot of his bed.

• The deceased was naked and face down.

• There were not pills found scattered around the room as had been previously reported.

• There were some prescription bottles, including prescription sleeping medication, uncovered.

• Police do not know how long the deceased had been in the apartment.

• The deceased was renting the apartment.

• The cause of death has not yet been determined. The determination will be made by the medical examiners office.

It was found that Heath had trouble sleeping after he filmed The Joker and had taken Ambien, but it didn’t help. So he took another, only to wake up an hour later, with haunting nightmares. He called the film, “troubling and demonic.”

A group of celebrities gave their condolences:

“I had such great hope for him,” says Mel Gibson, a fellow Australian. “He was just taking off and to lose his life at such a young age is a tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.”

Travolta said: “He is one of my favorite actors. His abilities are rare… it’s a tremendous loss.

“It’s hard to be here celebrating Australia under these circumstances.”

Nicole Kidman last night paid tribute to Heath Ledger, calling his death: “A tragedy.”

His family spoke out in a statement regarding his untimely death:

“Heath’s family confirms the very tragic, untimely and accidental passing of our dearly loved son, brother and doting father of Matilda,” the Aussie star’s family said in a statement.

He has a daughter, Matilda Rose, whom Michelle Williams has to raise alone. How sad.

Rest in peace, Heath!

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