CELEBRITY STYLE SPY: See all the latest celeb photos

Heath death accidental

Print
Share
Comment

Heath Ledger

Heath Ledger's death on 22 January was due to a lethal cocktail of six prescription drugs, New York's Chief Medical Examiner has concluded.

'Heath Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Diazepam, Temazepam, Alprazolam, and Doxylamine,' said an announcement released on Wednesday morning by office spokeswoman Ellen Borakove.

'We have concluded that the manner of death is accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications.'

Oxycodone is a painkiller, Hydrocodone is also known as Vicodin, Diazepam is commonly called Valium, Temazepam treats anxiety or sleeplessness, Alprazolam is known as Xanax, and Doxylamine is a sedating antihistamine often used as a sleep aid.

Prominent forensic pathologist, Dr Michael Hunter, who is not linked to the case, told People that the fatal mixture of drugs most likely caused 'poly-drug intoxication', which led to respiratory arrest. 'His breathing probably got slower and slower until it stopped all together,' he explained.

Hunter added that it is highly unlikely a doctor would have allowed the star to take all the drugs found in is system, although other doctors have said it could be down to 'sloppy prescribing'.

Meanwhile, Heath's father, Kim, as released a statement about the official cause of his death, which reads:

We remain humble as parents and a family, among millions of people worldwide who may have suffered the tragic loss of a child. Few can understand the hollow, wrenching, and enduring agony parents silently suffer when a child predeceases them. Today's results put an end to speculation, but our son's beautiful spirit and enduring memory will forever remain in our hearts.

While no medications were taken in excess, we learned today the combination of doctor-prescribed drugs proved lethal for our boy. Heath's accidental death serves as a caution to the hidden dangers of combining prescription medication, even at low dosage.

Our family enjoyed an extremely happy two week visit with Heath just prior to the New Year. Those recent precious days will stay with us forever. We as a family feel privileged to have some of his amazing magic moments captured in film. To most of the world Heath was an actor of immeasurable talent and promise. To those who knew him personally, Heath was a consummate artist whose passions also included photography, music, chess and directing. We knew Heath as a loving father, as our devoted son, and as a loyal and generous brother and friend.

We treasure our beautiful granddaughter Matilda (to our dear Michelle) as well as an unbelievably wonderful network of close friends, forever, around the world. Families rarely experience the uplifting, warm and massive outpouring of grief and support as have we, from every corner of the planet. This has deeply and profoundly touched our hearts and lives. We are eternally grateful.

At this moment we respectfully request the worldwide media allow us time to grieve privately, without the intrusions associated with press and photography.