Wednesday, 6 February 2008

Heath Ledger's death was accidental overdose

Actor's toxicology report is released

Heath Ledger's death on Jan. 22 was due to an accidental mixture of prescription drugs, the Office of Chief Medical Examiner for the City of New York has concluded.

"Mr. 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 Wednesday morning by office spokesperson Ellen Borakove.

"We have concluded that the manner of death is accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications," the two-paragraph statement said in its entirety.

The actor, 28, was found dead in his Manhattan apartment on Jan. 22. Authorities said at the time that they did not suspect foul play but that medication was found near the body.

An initial autopsy was deemed inconclusive in determining the cause of death, it was announced Jan. 24.

The actor had six prescription drugs, including anti-anxiety medications and sleeping pills, unnamed police sources told the Associated Press.