Australian actor Heath Ledger found dead in New York City

January 22, 2008

According to police in New York City, New York, Australian actor Heath Ledger, 28, has died from a suspected overdose of prescription drugs. He was found by his housekeeper in his Manhattan apartment.

At about 3:26 p.m. EST (UTC-5), the housekeeper was on her way to inform Ledger that his masseuse had arrived when she discovered his naked body on the bed.

"We are investigating the possibility of an overdose," said a police spokesman. The CourierMail quotes NBC as saying that Ledger's body was found "surrounded by pills."

Ledger starred in the 2005 movie Brokeback Mountain where he was nominated for the Academy Award and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. He also starred in the 2000 movie The Patriot with Mel Gibson.

Ledger is survived by his two-year-old daughter Matilda Rose, by ex-girlfriend Michelle Williams.