Heath Ledger's Family Speaks

Heath Ledger's father has released a statement regarding the tragic death of his son. The statement reads:

We, Heath's family, confirm, the very tragic, untimely and accidental passing of our dearly loved son, brother and doting father of Matilda. He was found peacefully asleep in his New York apartment by his housekeeper at 3:30 p.m. U.S. time.

We would like to thank our friends and everyone around the world for their well wishes and kind thoughts at this time. Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life but few had the pleasure of truly knowing him.

He was a down to earth, generous, kind-hearted, life-loving and selfless individual who was extremely inspirational to many. Please now respect our families need to grieve and come to terms with our loss privately.

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Reader Comments

2:57PM 01/23/08 Donna Mae

What a remarkable young actor. Being a mother with five sons, I can only imagine what it must be like for parents to lose such a wonderful, loving son, father and friend. I watched several of his movies and thought Heath, Michelle and Matilda made such a beautiful family. Matilda will be blessed with the many specials memories of having a special,talented father that loved her so very much. I am from Wyoming and Heaths passing has left us in shock. Our many prayers and blessings go out to his parents, family, Michelle and Matilda. DMS

2:30PM 01/23/08 Cosmo

I don't think that posting pics of his body in the bodybag are very respectable. Geez. And trying to sell your cheap ass dating sites is f*cking just as rude. Rest in peace Heath. This is so sad :(

1:59PM 01/23/08 Donna Mae

1:06PM 01/23/08 binda

I think everyone should respect the wishes of his family and let it be a private time instead of constantly reporting about it. Out of respect, Hollyscoop shouldn't publish one more article. Let the man rest in peace.

9:24AM 01/23/08 La Chat

AMEBK this is not the time to be advertising for your dating service company. You should have more respect for Heath's grieving family right now.

7:58AM 01/23/08 Amebk

It's said the last words of Heath has been found on bikermingle.com. Can you check if it's true?

7:22AM 01/23/08 Sandiii Pena

I'm extremly sadden by the news he was a great actor , and we have been losing alot of up coming actors within the last three years in which alot of them were of some importance to Us all! My condolences goes out to his Family and His daughter...

5:50AM 01/23/08 Jess

How un-tasteful for this website to post such a pic of him inside the body bag! You guys are sick to say the least!

4:58AM 01/23/08 pam

IAM VERY SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF A GOOD HEARTED PERSON I DON'T KNOW HIM ONLY THROW TV AND SUFF. I HOPE THE FAMILY GET THROW THIS TIME AND MOVES ON. BUT DON'T FORGET THE TIMES YOU HAD WITH YOUR LOVEONE. KEEP TELLING HIS DAUGHTER ABOUT HIM SO SHE KNOW WHAT A GREAT FATHER SHE HAD. I VERY SORRY

4:40AM 01/23/08 Bridge

Really so sad..I am from perth australa and I tell you he was a LEGEND and what a huge loss to the acting world of fine remarkable of all actors there ever will be and he was only just beginning.

4:27AM 01/23/08 hater

i am a hater but even i am sad

4:09AM 01/23/08 Daniela

Daniela said: Wish there was a way to turn back the clock Heath…and stop this from happening… One of the most talented and promising actors… so many images left unseen, so many emotions left to portray. And on top of it all, you seemed to be a genuine, nice and real person.. Like I said: wish I could turn back the clock and stop this from being true… Heath, you were unquestionably, steadily on my top 5: the chart where I place actors who win my heart - talent is the most splendorous thing… All the movies you won’t make, the maturing you won’t undergo… I wish I could still watch when we were both in our 60’s… Wish there was a way. For some reason, ever since I heard the shocking news, Gustavo Santaolalla’s “The Wings” from Brokeback’s soundtrack is playing in my head and won’t stop… Probably because it’s so sad, and so beautiful, and reminds me of you… Rest in peace, Heath. Weird as it may be, writing this here helps me say goodbye… Always up there with the greats for me Heath... Love always, Daniela.

2:56AM 01/23/08 Zip

They have no business doing these "death perp walks" for the media. Give those who have passed away some respect. They could have easily shielded his sheet covered body, including the gurny...instead, they set-up a damn red carpet press line. Enough of this kind of exploitive behavior!!!

0:15AM 01/23/08 john hancOCK

so damn sad i cant believe this