Heath Ledger Dead at 28

Academy Award-nominated Hollywood actor Heath Ledger was found dead at 3:30PM on Tuesday January 22 in a Lower-Manhattan apartment. He was 28 years old. Ledger was found unresponsive and face-down in his bed by his housekeeper and a masseuse.

Sleeping pills were found near his body. Police spokesman Paul Browne told CNN: "This is being looked at as a possible overdose, but that is not confirmed yet."

Ledger was the father of one child, Mathilda, whom he raised with actress Michelle Williams, before they split-up last year.

Results of an autopsy conducted on Wednesday January 23 were inconclusive. The cause of death may take up to 14 days to determine. Officials say there was no note and no sign of foul-play.  In a public statement to the press, Ledger's family said his death was "very tragic, untimely and accidental."

Ledger was nominated for an Oscar in his acclaimed performance as a gay cowboy in Ang Lee's film Brokeback Mountain.  He recently completed filming the role of The Joker in the up-coming Batman film sequel entitled The Dark Knight, due for release later this year.  His last film appearance was opposite Cate Blanchett in I'm Not There.

Ledger burst into the Hollywood scene playing teen heart-throb in 10 Things I Hate About You. Other screen credits include The Patriot, A Knight's Tale, Monster's Ball, Lords of Dogtown and Casanova.

Heath Ledger