I am sad to report that actor Heath Ledger has died after being found unresponsive at his Manhattan apartment yesterday.
Ledger, 28, was found by his housecleaner who called 911 after she was unable to wake him up. Early autopsy reports are inconclusive as to the cause of the death, however there were sleeping pills, both prescription and over the counter, at his bedside. There are also reports saying that Ledger had been battling to stay sober from drugs and alcohol, however no conclusive word if drugs played a part in his untimely passing.
The Oscar-nominated actor leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter, named Matilda, with his Brokeback Mountain co-star, Michelle Williams. The actresses is said to be “devastated” after finding out the news while on location in Sweden. She was reportedly with their daughter at the time.
Williams and Ledger ended their relationship late last year, however remained close due to their daughter.
He was absolutely in love with his daughter,” a source tells People.com. “And he really liked what he did [acting]. He spoiled [Matilda] rotten. He was playful and very funny with her.”
The source says, “I can’t believe Matilda is going to grow up without a dad, without knowing her father. And that Michelle will have to deal with having a daughter who’s lost her father. She’s a survivor. She’ll make it, but it’s going to be hard. Her first concern is going to be Matilda.”
Click here to check out a tribute to Heath from Usmagazine.com: Heath and Matilda Rose: Daddy’s Little Girl