On January 22, our hearts broke and our mouths dropped when we heard that one of film’s greatest young actors, Heath Ledger, had died on the floor in his apartment the previous night.
Speculations went around, as we all tried to figure out what happened to this young man. Was his death an accident or suicide?
Finally, we have the answers. The toxicology reports reveal that Heath died of an accidental overdose due to a mixture of prescription drugs. Something that we all suspected might have happened.
The medical examiner reports state: “Mr. Heath Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine,” spokesperson Ellen Borakove released in a statement on Wednesday morning .
“We have concluded that the manner of death is accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications,” the statement added.
The accidental prescription drug overdose in the medical examiner’s description includes the generic names for OxyContin, anti-anxiety drugs Valium and Xanax and sleep aids Restoril and Unisom. Hydrocodone is used in painkillers, such as Vicodin.
Heath’s father, Kim, released this statement about his son’s death:
“We remain humble as parents and a family, among millions of people worldwide who may have suffered the tragic loss of a child. Few can understand the hollow, wrenching and enduring agony parents silently suffer when a child predeceases them. Today’s results put an end to speculation, but our son’s beautiful spirit and enduring memory will forever remain in our hearts.
“While no medications were taken in excess, we learned today the combination of doctor-prescribed drugs proved lethal for our boy. Heath’s accidental death serves as a caution to the hidden dangers of combining prescription medication, even at low dosage.
“Our family enjoyed an extremely happy two-week visit with Heath just prior to the New Year. Those recent precious days will stay with us forever. We as a family feel privileged to have some of his amazing magic moments captured in film. To most of the world, Heath was an actor of immeasurable talent and promise. To those who knew him personally, Heath was a consummate artist whose passions also included photography, music, chess and directing. We knew Heath as a loving father, as our devoted son, and as a loyal and generous brother and friend.
“We treasure our beautiful granddaughter Matilda (to our dear Michelle) as well as an unbelievably wonderful network of close friends, forever, around the world. Families rarely experience the uplifting, warm and massive outpouring of grief and support as have we, from every corner of the planet. This has deeply and profoundly touched our hearts and lives. We are eternally grateful.
“At this moment we respectfully request the worldwide media allow us time to grieve privately, without the intrusions associated with press and photography.”
