Heath Ledger...

[MandMnmbr3]

... was found dead in his apartment in Manhattan at approximately 12:30pm EST. :eek: Not sure the cause of death, but it was said there were pills laying around him. :(

[mood4amelody]

... was found dead in his apartment in Manhattan at approximately 12:30pm EST. :eek: Not sure the cause of death, but it was said there were pills laying around him. :(

OMGosh!! WOW.

[lizmolik]

On MSN News:

NEW YORK -- Heath Ledger was found dead Tuesday at a downtown Manhattan residence, and police said drugs may have been a factor. He was 28. NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said Ledger had an appointment for a massage at the Manhattan apartment believed to be his home. The housekeeper who went to let him know the masseuse had arrived found him dead at 3:26 p.m.

The Australian-born actor was nominated for an Oscar for "Brokeback Mountain," where he met his wife, actress Michelle Williams, in 2005. Ledger and Williams had lived in Brooklyn and had a daughter, Matilda, until they split up last year.

Ledger was to appear as the Joker this year in "The Dark Night," a sequel to 2005's "Batman Begins." He's had starring roles in "A Knight's Tale" and "The Patriot," and played the suicidal son of Billy Bob Thornton in "Monster's Ball."

Ledger grew up in Perth, and began doing amateur theater at age 10. At 16, he moved to Sydney to pursue an acting career, quickly landing TV movie roles and guest spots on Australian television.

After several independent films and a starring role in the short-lived Fox TV series "Roar," Ledger moved to Los Angeles and costarred in "10 Things I Hate About You," a teen comedy reworking of "The Taming of the Shrew."

Offers for other teen flicks came his way, but Ledger turned them down, preferring to remain idle than sign on for projects he didn't like.

"It wasn't a hard decision for me," Ledger told the Associated Press in 2001. "It was hard for everyone else around me to understand. Agents were like, `You're crazy,' my parents were like, `Come on, you have to eat.'"

His latest role was in "I'm Not There," in which he played one of the many incarnations of Bob Dylan — as did Cate Blanchett, whose performance in that film earned an Oscar nomination Tuesday for best supporting actress.

[mood4amelody]

Oscar-nominated actor reportedly discovered in Mary-Kate Olsen's home

This was on the same story Liz posted. I saw the same story on yahoo and MSN, but this was on the MSN news.

[lizmolik]

Oscar-nominated actor reportedly discovered in Mary-Kate Olsen's home

This was on the same story Liz posted. I saw the same story on yahoo and MSN, but this was on the MSN news.

Mary-Kate??? Wonder why he was there? This is such a sad tragety he was only 28?

[freebielover]

i wonder if he killed himself

That is so sad. His daughter Matilda will never know her daddy.
If you look at pictures of him lately, he had lost alot of weight. I wonder if he had gotten into drugs or something?
this is so sad and shocking

[momsangel]

what a terrible waste of life:( for him and his family

[bvanpeltsw]

Poor Heath! I loved him in 10 Things I Hate About You!!!!:mad:

[mom2fussbudgets]

I am so sorry to hear this. :(

[Motherofthree]

Thats horrible....I wonder was this an accident or a suicide....I feel for his precious daughter!!:(

[mood4amelody]

The Times initially reported that Ledger was found in an apartment owned by actress Mary-Kate Olsen, but a spokesperson for the actress, who is at the Sundance Film Festival, later told the Times the apartment was not Olsen's.

They say at this time it is not an apparent suicide.

[momsangel]

its amazing how the media go crazy on events like this,what does it matter where the man passed away??? I don't like tv:mad:

[mom2fussbudgets]

They are running it into the ground. I really hate it when the media does this.

[momsangel]

They are running it into the ground. I really hate it when the media does this.

I agree completely ,it's like when Princess Diana passed away,they were terrible.

[lizmolik]

I know that is ALL I am seeing on the news! Why do they do that?

[mood4amelody]

I heard on Nancy Grace tonight how the Mary Kate angle came into this. Here's the current story of the events -

Housekeeper came in at noon, could hear him snoring. Around 3 the masseuse came, found him "unresponsive" and called Mary Kate to tell her. She called MK back in a very short time and said she thought he was dead. Mary Kate sent a security team to help. When they couldn't do anything, they called 911.

[freebielover]

I know that is ALL I am seeing on the news! Why do they do that?

They literally ran the anna nicole smith story in the ground too. i even got tired of hearing about her

[mood4amelody]

NEW YORK (AP) -- Heath Ledger died of an accidental overdose of painkillers, sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medication and other prescription drugs, the New York City medical examiner said Wednesday.

The cause of death was "acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam and doxylamine," spokeswoman Ellen Borakove said in a statement.

The drugs are the generic names for the painkiller OxyContin, the anti-anxiety drugs Valium and Xanax, and the sleep aids Restoril and Unisom. Hydrocodone is a widely used prescription painkiller.

"What you're looking at here is the cumulative effects of these medications together," she said.

In a statement released through Ledger's publicist, Ledger's father, Kim, said Wednesday: "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."

[bvanpeltsw]

Yikes! That is horrible!:eek:

[shopsforsix]

NEW YORK (AP) -- Heath Ledger died of an accidental overdose of painkillers, sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medication and other prescription drugs, the New York City medical examiner said Wednesday.

The cause of death was "acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam and doxylamine," spokeswoman Ellen Borakove said in a statement.

The drugs are the generic names for the painkiller OxyContin, the anti-anxiety drugs Valium and Xanax, and the sleep aids Restoril and Unisom. Hydrocodone is a widely used prescription painkiller.

"What you're looking at here is the cumulative effects of these medications together," she said.

In a statement released through Ledger's publicist, Ledger's father, Kim, said Wednesday: "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."

How sad this is! Did his doctor not provide information to him about mixing these drugs and why wouldn't they tell him upon filling them? He will be missed! :(

[Cpogie]

I wonder how many different doctors were writing these prescriptions, that is too bad! so sad that a person has to die from drugs, legal or otherwise!

[bvanpeltsw]

How sad this is! Did his doctor not provide information to him about mixing these drugs and why wouldn't they tell him upon filling them? He will be missed! :(

Sometimes when someone feels a drug is not working for them they switch to something else while taking the other drug. I really hope he was not just trying to find something that worked and od'ed. Poor guy!:(

[shopsforsix]

Sometimes when someone feels a drug is not working for them they switch to something else while taking the other drug. I really hope he was not just trying to find something that worked and od'ed. Poor guy!:(

It's been confirmed as an accidental overdose!! I truly feel for his daughter and family!! How hard this must be for them!

It could also be the case of he's famous and the doctors just gave him whatever he wanted! It's amazing how much people can be influenced to go against that which they know is wrong! All it takes is money and maybe a chance for fame!

I really hope that people can see how overly medicated our society is becoming. I would never deny anyone medication if it's needed, but we have become a pill popping country!

[mood4amelody]

How sad this is! Did his doctor not provide information to him about mixing these drugs and why wouldn't they tell him upon filling them? He will be missed! :(

I think it's pretty standard for pharmacies to give paperwork with all that info on it. Is that they case for everyone else here, too? Mine always have that stuff stapled to them.

Sometimes when someone feels a drug is not working for them they switch to something else while taking the other drug. I really hope he was not just trying to find something that worked and od'ed. Poor guy!:(

I think that's pretty much what did happen!

DA said they took that oxycoton (sp) off the market a couple of years ago??? And why would he be given a very major pain medication for stress and sleeplessness in the first place? And Valium? I have terrible panic/anxiety attacks and I couldn't get a Valium to save my life. They must be a union benefit for being part of the Screen Actors Guild. :rolleyes:

[momsangel]

I think it's pretty standard for pharmacies to give paperwork with all that info on it. Is that they case for everyone else here, too? Mine always have that stuff stapled to them.



I think that's pretty much what did happen!

DA said they took that oxycoton (sp) off the market a couple of years ago??? And why would he be given a very major pain medication for stress and sleeplessness in the first place? And Valium? I have terrible panic/anxiety attacks and I couldn't get a Valium to save my life. They must be a union benefit for being part of the Screen Actors Guild. :rolleyes:

Yeppers this is sad,yet could have been prevented.People really need to be more aware of the medicines they are taking and interractions they can have.Docotors do not always have the "right"cures

[rebate queen]

Not trying to be a pessimist here, but you have to take an awful lot of these things, even combined, to overdose.
This is only my OPINION, but unfortunately I have had a lot of real life experience with this...I don't believe for a second that he didn't know that he should not take whatever pills he took. He was either in an invincible mentality(my late stepfather), too high to know how much he took(my late father), or he did it on purpose(my late mother)

[Cpogie]

Not trying to be a pessimist here, but you have to take an awful lot of these things, even combined, to overdose.
This is only my OPINION, but unfortunately I have had a lot of real life experience with this...I don't believe for a second that he didn't know that he should not take whatever pills he took. He was either in an invincible mentality(my late stepfather), too high to know how much he took(my late father), or he did it on purpose(my late mother)

Dawn is that how your parents died? I'm sorry if I'm reading that wrong. I agree about the drugs, and, I blame these "have a problem take a pill doctors" who cater to celebrities.

[mood4amelody]

Dawn, I love you. Because you have been through these things, and been hurt, and survived, and bettered yourself, you became this wonderful woman that all of us can respect and love. You are honest and true spoken. You're knowledgeable and willing to share that with us. You give your heart even after it's been so broken. I think not only does God cherish you especially, he respects you, too.

[rebate queen]

Dawn is that how your parents died? I'm sorry if I'm reading that wrong. I agree about the drugs, and, I blame these "have a problem take a pill doctors" who cater to celebrities.

Dawn, I'm sorry to read what you've been through with your parents and stepfather on this subject. You obviously have more experience unfortunately than most to speak to the prescription overdose/combination issue here.

.Thank you Jude:o
Yep, you read it right Carol. Sorry it came out the way it did. I get so many mixed emotions at once when I think about it...I've just been around drugs so much, watched so many people destroy their lives. I don't think there was ever a time in my life when one or both of my parents wasn't strung out on something. I guess you can imagine the social circles and the people I was always surrounded by as well.
My mother committed suicide at 40 years old with pills. My dad died at 47 from cirrhosis and hepatitis from lifelong drinking and drugs. My step dad died last year from either an overdose of pills or his current wife killed him. She was too screwed up to know and I didn't want to know. Actually more afraid to know...
I'm not telling this for pity or attention...it's just part of me and you guys are like family. I think a lot of us here have been through a lot of painful things. I have felt a lot of support here and try to show support to others. I've also felt the sting of thoughtless words and judgements. All I can say is isn't there enough pain and heartbreak in the world without intentionally adding to it?? I have found that I am not quite tough enough for the internet, but I'm not giving up yet.;)

[rebate queen]

Dawn, I love you. Because you have been through these things, and been hurt, and survived, and bettered yourself, you became this wonderful woman that all of us can respect and love. You are honest and true spoken. You're knowledgeable and willing to share that with us. You give your heart even after it's been so broken. I think not only does God cherish you especially, he respects you, too.

Lynne, I think I can say-right back at ya!;) I feel the same way about you, but I could have never said it so well. I've had my daily cry now followed by a smile because I can feel your support. And I hope you're right about God because I've done a lot wrong in my life, but I'm still gonna knock on his door one day!:o

[cath_31]

Wow, Dawn that is awful about your family. So sorry that happened to you.
I agree with you on the fact that it is pretty obvious that taking that many drugs (some of which are for the same problems) is not a smart combination. I'm just not sure if in his case it was the invincible mentality or if it was, in fact, intentional.

[Cpogie]

I'm sorry! no one should have to endure growing up like that, but I do understand, my father was an alcoholic, I have horror stories as well. I have no good memories growing up, I remember the bad times. I have gotten past that time in my life, but you never forget. Both my parents are gone, as well as my only sibling, a brother, who died when he was just 41 from heart failure.
Hugs, there are people who care!! I care.

[cath_31]

Because you have been through these things, and been hurt, and survived, and bettered yourself, you became this wonderful woman that all of us can respect and love. You are honest and true spoken. You're knowledgeable and willing to share that with us. You give your heart even after it's been so broken. I think not only does God cherish you especially, he respects you, too.

Lynne, that was very nicely put. From one of the recall posts awhile back, I know that you have had a great tragedy in your life as well, and I think that everything that you said about Dawn applies perfectly to yourself as well. You both deserve the praise.

[mood4amelody]

Lynne, I think I can say-right back at ya!;) I feel the same way about you, but I could have never said it so well. I've had my daily cry now followed by a smile because I can feel your support. And I hope you're right about God because I've done a lot wrong in my life, but I'm still gonna knock on his door one day!:o

Dawn, I feel very comfortable saying that the love and support that you feel from people here is just a tiny "sample" of what God has waiting for you (but it's gonna be a wayyyy long time til you get to meet him, 'cause he knows we need you here first!!). I am a very forgiving person myself, but it's really nothing compared to God's capacity for it!

[mood4amelody]

Lynne, that was very nicely put. From one of the recall posts awhile back, I know that you have had a great tragedy in your life as well, and I think that everything that you said about Dawn applies perfectly to yourself as well. You both deserve the praise.

Shucks! I sure don't feel praise worthy, but it's a nice "blush" I'm having for sure! :o You know, I'm sure nearly all of us have had just goshawful events or "eras" in our lives, but we are MAKING IT. Doing our best, getting up everyday, breathing in and out. We all deserve some praise and pats on the back!!! We frikkin' ROCK!!! :D

[mom2fussbudgets]

Wow! This thread got mushy, and I am speechless! I can only echo everything that Lynne and everyone else has said. Is it too late for me to get in on a group hug?

[Cpogie]

Chris, it is never too late for a group hug! Hugs to you all.

[mom2fussbudgets]

Hugs back!

[VanillaBean]

I am in agreeance (sp?) with Dawn.....Oxycodone is Percocet is...acetiminaphin(tylenol) and codeine...hydrocodone...Vicodin..same thing only weaker than Oxys...valium-trainquilizer but a mild one for anxiety and seizures..unisom...for sleep problems..Heath knew what each and every one of these pills would do to him...and he knew that taking them ALL would be very dangerous...most pain killers cause some sort of drowsiness..and then to top it off with Unisom which is for not being able to sleep...PUUULLLLLLEASE People....he was wanting to get high off the pain killers....his system was getting used to the drugs so he needed to put more in there...and unfortunately...he took toooooo much!

His doctor would not have prescribed them all at once..he either told the dr some of them were not working and then the dr gave him another 'script for something else...OR he got these illeagally....I just had hand surgery...my DR wrote me 2 scripts....first for Vicodins...but Vicodins do not take care of my pain anymore...so he wrote me another script for Oxycodone....but I do not take them together because these are strong pain killers and addictive!!

I believe it was an OD and was not accidental. COVER UP big time.

[mom2fussbudgets]

I don't know. Some people have the mistaken impression that they're indestructable. Also, when one is high, one is not thinking very clearly. I'm not sure I agree with saying it wasn't accidental when we don't know for sure.

I used to live next door to a lady who was a nurse, and she accidentally overdosed. She was in the process of sending out her daugher's wedding announcements when it happened. Her hubby found her on the floor dead the next morning; she'd slid out of the chair she was sitting in and was lying under the table. She had a lot of back problems, and her family believes she was trying to work through the pain in order to get those announcements out.

[GeorgiaMom]

The real truth is that we will never know for sure what actually happened. Honestly, does it even matter? And do we really have any right to judge? Here was a man who obviously had some problems. Whether it was accidental or done purposefully shouldn't really matter at this point. All that should matter is that his family is given the space to mourn his loss without all the BS specualtion in the media, and his daughter is able to grow up with the image of her father being the loving dad that he obviously was. Any judgement of Heath and his actions is for God to decide.

[mood4amelody]

What I told my step-daughter, "There's another hottie I'll never do."

[mom2fussbudgets]

What I told my step-daughter, "There's another hottie I'll never do."

LMAO! I hear ya!

[rebate queen]

Wow, Dawn that is awful about your family. So sorry that happened to you.
I agree with you on the fact that it is pretty obvious that taking that many drugs (some of which are for the same problems) is not a smart combination. I'm just not sure if in his case it was the invincible mentality or if it was, in fact, intentional.
Thank you Catherine:)

I'm sorry! no one should have to endure growing up like that, but I do understand, my father was an alcoholic, I have horror stories as well. I have no good memories growing up, I remember the bad times. I have gotten past that time in my life, but you never forget. Both my parents are gone, as well as my only sibling, a brother, who died when he was just 41 from heart failure.
Hugs, there are people who care!! I care.
Thanks Carol;) I'm sorry for what you and others have been through as well. It's an epidemic that leaves a painful legacy. You do get past it, but you are right, you never forget. I try really hard to not dwell on the past, but when the salt gets thrown, I find that many of the wounds are still open enough to sting. Thanks for caring! I'm right there with you on the siblings also. All I have is a half brother that was put up for adoption at birth. He would be 39 now. I really need to try to find him.

Dawn, I feel very comfortable saying that the love and support that you feel from people here is just a tiny "sample" of what God has waiting for you (but it's gonna be a wayyyy long time til you get to meet him, 'cause he knows we need you here first!!). I am a very forgiving person myself, but it's really nothing compared to God's capacity for it!
Thank you Lynne! There have been many times that I just haven't wanted to keep going, and then the guilt for feeling that way. It's a vicious cycle. I wish I could be more forgiving also and I pray for the strength to do that. Sometimes when people intentionally hurt me, and then seem to have no remorse, I have a very hard time forgiving.

Wow! This thread got mushy, and I am speechless! I can only echo everything that Lynne and everyone else has said. Is it too late for me to get in on a group hug?
Chris, I ALWAYS feel your support whether you are in on the conversation or not;) Hugs back!

[mom2fussbudgets]

Dawn, what a nice thing to say. Thank you! :)

I hope you find your brother.

[shopsforsix]

I am in agreeance (sp?) with Dawn.....Oxycodone is Percocet is...acetiminaphin(tylenol) and codeine...hydrocodone...Vicodin..same thing only weaker than Oxys...valium-trainquilizer but a mild one for anxiety and seizures..unisom...for sleep problems..Heath knew what each and every one of these pills would do to him...and he knew that taking them ALL would be very dangerous...most pain killers cause some sort of drowsiness..and then to top it off with Unisom which is for not being able to sleep...PUUULLLLLLEASE People....he was wanting to get high off the pain killers....his system was getting used to the drugs so he needed to put more in there...and unfortunately...he took toooooo much!

His doctor would not have prescribed them all at once..he either told the dr some of them were not working and then the dr gave him another 'script for something else...OR he got these illeagally....I just had hand surgery...my DR wrote me 2 scripts....first for Vicodins...but Vicodins do not take care of my pain anymore...so he wrote me another script for Oxycodone....but I do not take them together because these are strong pain killers and addictive!!

I believe it was an OD and was not accidental. COVER UP big time.

I would agree that he was probably in a lot of pain! At some point I'm sure it wasn't enough and he was too "high" to see what else he was popping but there are doctors out there of these stars who don't give much thought to prescribing them "another" pill! It's a chance at fame for them to say they treated this person!

[Skylergailmom]

What a shocker but he was such a great actor... U know it seems the good does dye young and well u know what i mean ...