Heath Ledger Found Dead

TMZ has learned that 2006 Academy Award nominee Heath Ledger has died in NY.

He was found dead in his bed in one of his residences in Soho by his housekeeper at 3:35 PM ET today. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ they believe it was not a crime, adding prescription pills were found near his body.

The 28-year-old actor has a two year old daughter with former fiancee Michelle Williams -- they separated in September, 2007. He plays The Joker in the upcoming Batman film, "The Dark Knight."

According to NYPD a masseuse arrived at Ledger's apartment and was let in by a housekeeper. When Ledger didn't answer his bedroom door, the housekeeper and the masseuse opened it and found him unconscious. They attempted to wake him; when they couldn't, they called 911.

We're told when paramedics responded, the actor was in full cardiac arrest. They attempted to perform CPR on him, but were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ledger is best known for his groundbreaking role as Ennis in "Brokeback Mountain."

Story developing...

Law enforcement has confirmed to TMZ prescription pills were strewn around Heath Ledger's bed. The cops are waiting for the Medical Examiner.

Law enforcement tells TMZ Ledger's body was found face down on the bedroom floor. There is no visible signs of any trauma.

Law enforcement tells TMZ Heath Ledger's autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow.

Cops tell TMZ Heath Ledger's death was accidental.

A highly credible source connected to Heath Ledger tells TMZ the apartment where the actor was found was not owned by Mary-Kate Olsen or related to her in any way.

TMZ has learned Heath Ledger had a substance abuse problem. A Ledger confidante tells us he had been clean for a year.

Contrary to several published reports, we're told Ledger had not been in rehab.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ sleeping pills were strewn around the bed of Heath Ledger.

One law enforcement source told us it is much too early to determine if the death was accidental or suicide.

Heath Ledger's body has just been removed from the Soho building where he was found dead. It was carried out in a black body bag and put in the back of the City of New York Medical Examiner's truck.



TMZ.com

Video from TMZ

TMZ is live streaming video from outside the Soho building were Heath Ledger was found dead today. Authorities are on the scene -- watch as the drama unfolds.

Live Stream

Heath Ledger recently gave an interview to WJW FOX in Cleveland where he said, "I feel good about dying because I feel alive through her." He was talking about his young daughter Matilda.

Video Interview