It Was an Accident

The New York City medical examiner confirmed today that Heath Ledger died of an accidental overdose of painkillers, sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medication and other prescription drugs. According to spokesperson Ellen Borakove, Ledger died from the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam and doxylamine.

The 28 year old Academy Award nominated actor was found dead in his New York apartment on January 22.

A Final Word on Heath Ledger

So much has been written and said about Heath Ledger and his death this past week that there isn't much left to say.

A daughter lost her father. Parents lost their son. A sister lost her brother. The film industry lost a gifted actor.

Sadly, most of the media coverage (including this website) focused on the tabloid aspects of the news. "Drug related!" "The Mary-Kate Olsen connection!" "Possible suicide!"

FOX News personality John Gibson actually mocked Mr. Ledger's passing when he first reported it on Tuesday. I won't go into the details of Gibson's comments because they are in poor taste, but the link is there for those who choose to listen. While all of the media weren't as extreme as John Gibson, many took the low road in reporting on the tragic death of a talented young man. I'll state on the record that we here at The Chronicles of von Klapp were no better. And for that, we are sorry.

There will be no more postings on this site about Heath Ledger or his passing unless it's newsworthy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, and we apologize if in our haste to "get the news out" we were quick to focus on the sensationalism of the tragedy, as opposed to remembering the vast legacy Heath Ledger left behind.

Prescription Drugs Found in Heath Ledger's Apartment

Police say six different types of prescription drugs were found in Heath Ledger’s apartment. The medications include both anti-anxiety and sleeping pills. An autopsy was conducted today, but was inconclusive.

A rolled-up $20 bill was also found on the floor near Ledger's bed, but lab tests detected no traces of drug residue.

No illegal drugs were found in the apartment.

Police Say Ledger's Death "Accidental"

Police speaking on the condition of anonyminity are calling Heath Ledger's death accidental. An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow.

Heath Ledger Dead at 28: Update

Initial reports indicated that Heath Ledger was found in Mary-Kate Olsen's apartment. Representatives for Ms. Olsen have since stated this is not the case. What is unknown at the moment is if Ledger's death was an accidental overdose or a suicide.

Heath Ledger Dead at 28

Heath Ledger was found dead today in a Manhattan apartment. The police speculated the cause of death may be a drug overdose as pills that appear to be over the counter sleeping medication were found near Ledger. He appeared in many films and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Leading Actor for 2005's Brokeback Mountain. Ledger, who was born in Perth, Australia, leaves behind a daughter by actress Michelle Williams.