Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Heath Ledger’s family respond to autopsy results

Heath LedgerHollywood star Heath Ledger died from "acute intoxication" after taking a cocktail of drugs, it was confirmed today.
Toxicology results showed the Brokeback Mountain star had consumed a vast number of different prescription pills before being found dead in bed in New York.

"Mr. Heath Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine," said New York Chief Medical Examiner Charles Hirsch.

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

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

Immediately after the report was released, Ledger's father Kim accepted that it "put an end to speculation" about his son's death. However, he insisted: "Our son's beautiful spirit and enduring memory will forever remain in our hearts."

He also maintained that Heath's death was from an accidental mix of drugs, not from taking large doses. "While no medications were taken in excess, we learned today the combination of doctor-prescribed drugs proved lethal for our boy," Mr Ledger said.

"Heath's accidental death serves as a caution to the hidden dangers of combining prescription medication, even at low dosage."

Mr Ledger also thanked fans around the world for their messages of support. "Families rarely experience the uplifting, warm and massive outpouring of grief and support as have we, from every corner of the planet," he said.

"This has deeply and profoundly touched our hearts and lives. We are eternally grateful.

Ledger was found unconscious in his SoHo apartment on January 22 and pronounced dead on arrival by paramedics. Many of the drugs were found around his body.

Dr. Michael Hunter, a prominent forensic pathologist not involved in the Ledger matter, believes the combination of the powerful 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 said.

Hunter also said it is highly unlikely a doctor would have allowed Ledger to take all the different types of drugs in his system. "This is a dangerous mixture of drugs," said Hunter.

"We are seeing more and more people dying of poly-drug intoxication from prescription drugs and it usually a combination of the narcotic-type drugs seen here."

He found it "telling" that the report stated death was due to "abuse" of drugs. "When they use the term abuse it tells us that he used drugs to obtain an intoxicant effect and not for a therapeutic reason," he insisted.

"They must have determined through their investigation that the drugs were not for therapeutic use."

Heath's father's statement read:

"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."

By Lee Brown, Feb 06 2008 © Copyright 2008 - Showbiz Spy

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