Heath Ledger Death Was an Accidental Overdose

Many drugs were present in Heath Ledger’s system at the time of his death, according to a toxicology report released this morning by the medical examiner. Yesterday reports said the toxicology report would be delayed until Friday, however, we now have these results. The medical examiner said:

"Mr. Heath Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine."

"We have concluded that the manner of death is accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications."

Heath was found unconscious in his SoHo apartment on January 22 and pronounced dead on arrival by paramedics. The NYPD found five medications in Ledger’s apartment after his death, including anti-anxiety medications alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium) and Lorazepam (Ativan). The sleeping medication zopiclone (Lunesta), and the sedative temazepam (Restoril), which is used by people with "debilitating insomnia," were also found. Doxylamine is an antihistamine used in the short-term treatment of insomnia.

Heath died exactly as I said before, from a combination of prescription and over-the-counter drugs. For some people even combining an allergy medication like an antihistamine, and alcohol, can be deadly. Never mix medications unless a doctor says it’s okay.

Heath’s private funeral is expected to take place in Perth, Australia this Saturday.

Heath was a good person who simply made a mistake. Rest in peace now Heath.

Kim Ledger, Heath’s father, said on behalf of the Ledger family, issued following the response to the Medical Examiner’s findings:

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.