It is being reported on several television stations that Heath Ledger, the actor most well-known for his staring role in Brokeback Mountain, was found dead this afternoon in his New York City apartment.
Details are very sketchy right now but it would appear that
Heath Ledger is dead.
The New York Times
blog is reporting that a masseuse arrived at his apartment around 3:30 this afternoon for an appointment and when Mr. Ledger's housekeeper knocked on his bedroom door, no one answered. When they entered the bedroom, the housekeeper and masseuse found Mr. Ledger unconscious and unresponsive and dialed 911.
Initial reports say foul play is not a factor and that no pills were found near his body. Mr. Ledger is originally from Perth, Australia and is most well-known for his role as the gay Wyoming ranch hand Ennis Del Mar, in the movie Brokeback Mountain. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for that role.
UPDATE: There are now
reports that Ledger's death is, in fact, drug related and that pills were found "
strewn" around his apartment.
NYC police spokesman Paul Browne is being
quoted as saying: "
We are investigating the possibility of an overdose." and "
There were pills within the vicinity of the bed."