Heath Ledger's Death Announced as Accidental Overdose, DEA Formed Investigation

Thu, 07 February 2008 22:33:44 ET

Following the announcement of the acclaimed actor's cause of death, it was reported that the federal government revealed that they have set up an investigation on how the actor could obtain the drugs.

After more than two weeks speculating on the cause of Heath Ledger's sudden death, it was confirmed that the young and talented Australian actor died of accidental overdose. On Wednesday (06.02.08), the New York City medical examiner announced that the 28-year-old actor passed away because of a lethal combination of six different prescription drugs consisted of two strong painkillers, two tranquilizers and two sleeping aids.

"We have concluded that the manner of death is accidental, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications," read a statement from the medical examiner's office. "Mr Heath Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, Diazepam, temazepam, Alprazolam, and doxylamine." Still, it wasn't explained why the death is finally determined as "accidental".

Following the announcement of Ledger's cause of death, further reports mentioned that the Drug Enforcement Administration has been set to investigate how the "Brokeback Mountain" star could obtained the multiple prescription drugs. On the same day the medical examiner announced their findings, the DEA has formally requested the autopsy's copies as well as the original police report from the crime scene.

After the ruling out of the suicide speculation has been confirmed, on behalf of Ledger's father, Kim, Mara Buxbaum, Ledger's Los Angeles publicist, immediately released his statement asking the media to stop the speculation around his son's death. The statement read, "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."

On the actor's private funeral news, Adelaide Now reported that the funeral is expected to be held on Friday (08.02.08). Whereas Ledger's family and close relatives arrived in Perth on Tuesday (05.02.08) to prepare for the funeral, Michelle Williams, Ledger's former fiancee and the mother of his two-year-old daughter, has arrived at the city the next day. On Thursday (07.02.08), another Ledger's ex, Gemma Ward joined the family and friends for the private service.

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