Heath Ledger is confirmed dead

The police have confirmed to the AP that “Brokeback Mountain” star Heath Ledger was found dead today at a New York apartment.

TMZ.com reports that the Australian actor was found dead in his bed by the housekeeper at a Soho apartment at 3:35pm ET today. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ they believe his death was not the result of a crime, and added that prescription and non-prescription pills were “strewn around” near his nude body. He was reportedly sick with pneumonia.Heath was 28 years old and the father of 27-month-old Matilda — his daughter with actress (and former fiancee) Michelle Williams. Michelle is said to be “devastated” over the sad news.Heath Ledger was nominated for his role as Ennis in “Brokeback Mountain,” and previously appeared in “The Patriot” and “A Knight’s Tale,” among others. He was in the midst of filming “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” — in which he had the starring role. Already completed filming is his turn as The Joker in the forthcoming Batman movie, “The Dark Knight,” which is currently slated for a July release.Warner Brothers Studios, who produced the Batman film, released this statement: “The studio is stunned and devastated by this tragic news. The entertainment community has lost an enormous talent. Heath was a brilliant actor and an exceptional person. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.”

Heath at the “I’m Not There” New York Premiere
Chelsea West Theater / New York, NY
11/13/2007