Heath Ledger Dead - Drug Overdose Cause

Australian actor Heath Ledger has been found dead in one of his New York residences.

Sources say the Brokeback Mountain star and 2006 Academy Award nominee was found motionless in his bed by a housekeeper earlier this morning.

While the story continues to develop, Ledger leaves behind a two-year-old daughter with former fiancee, Michelle Williams.

Ledger, best known for his portrayal of a gay cowboy alongside Jake Gyllenhaal, was not renowned for leading a party-like lifestyle, which is why it has come as a surprise to the media that he was found surrounded by pills.

Ledger's last role for the screen will be as the villain Joker in the next instalment of the Batman series.

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• heath ledger
• drug overdose