The Bald Truth: Heath Ledger, Valium, Xanex; Did “Next James Dean” Accidentally OD at 28?
NYPD Detective Outside Heath Ledger’s Apartment Jan. 22
By Art Harris, (c) www.artharris.com, all rights reserved.
With 28-year-old Oscar-contender Heath Ledger found dead of a possible accidental overdose in his SoHo apartment in New York City, police sources said Wednesday two prescribed anti-anxiety drugs, valium, and xanex were found, along with the sleeping aide, Ambien, and WCBS2 reported a rolled-up $20 bill near the naked body of the brilliant actor.
Police were refuting, via the Associated Press, a story that heroin or cocaine had been found, said autopsy results were inconclusive and gave ten days for toxicology work to come back.
Police Commissioner Ray Kelly confirmed during a news conference Wednesday that the bill was found on the floor near his bed and had been taken for testing. But he added there was no visible residue on the bill.
“The nature of the way the bill was folded might indicate it was possibly used for drugs,” Kelly said.
Testing on the bill could be completed within the next few days.
To be clear, it’s still unknown whether these items belonged to Ledger, whether he even actually ingested them, or what the substances were. Kelly reiterated on Wednesday that no illegal drugs were found in Ledger’s apartment.
January 23rd, 2008 at 9:25 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fnn1dDVmZyQ
I know people, just everyday average folks, and upper middle class, torn apart, and they lost everything…some lost their life.
Art’s words, “…a rolled up bill…”
January 23rd, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Thank you for the accurate information Art.
It was very upsetting that people were allowed to go on national television and say things like there pills all over the floor around him. They say things and then say;
we were mistaken…
Well, they should by law be held accountable.
Just like the people who write books and say they stand behind there story 120%.
It is a sad loss for Heath’s family and friends. Another little girl has to grow up without a parent. Very sad.
January 23rd, 2008 at 11:39 pm
I wonder why Mary-Kate Olsen was called not once but twice after an unresposive Ledger was found…then 20some minutes later 911 was called.
January 24th, 2008 at 5:13 am
According to the housekeeper, she called Olsen to get the number for her bodyguard, who she knew was just a few houses down and had been trained in Trauma Triage. It was a good thing since supposedly it took a very long time for the paramedics to get there. NYPD said that the housekeeper called them right after calling the bodyguard.
How sad that the names of all of his perscriptions were released. No privacy. I understand IF he od’d, but we don’t know that.
This is a huge loss. I really loved his work and the fact that he seemed really uneffected by the Hollywood lifestyle. God Bless his daughter and family.
January 24th, 2008 at 9:43 am
Wecome to the dead celebrities club,there is no discrimination, it accepts anyone who wants to join it. The criteria is simple, just either find something to do you in, or have an accident, or this new phrase “accidental overdose” my take on it, because this mornings news simple said there was no indication that any drugs were found on the $20. bill. He had a weak heart that was exhausted from no sleep, and when taking any of those drugs like Ambien, his body which is a machine just stopped. It happens every single day it is called a heart failure.
Hollywood is an industry, you become an industry they suck all they can out of you while you are young it is not for the faint of heart. Here is something that the media can do instead of following these stories to death…educate people once a week on the dangers of mixing drugs educate people, to ask their pharmacist to explain what they are taking and all the interactions that can occur while under these drugs.
Heath apparantly had a sleeping disorder, the western objective of medicine is to just give out pills, eastern medicine is to find the route cause, I figure it was depression and his life style.Sometimes you have to bale and find another job, in order to feel well again.Dis ease with self get it?
Educate in schools there is no excuse for this to happen in this day and age today, with all the information out there there has got to be a better way. Start a campaign in Hollywood so the trickle down effect happens with what happens when you mix this together if we can save one person you have a domino effect.
Next in line for this exclusive club, Unfittany Shears, an Amy Crackhouse oops I mean Winehouse.It is only a matter of time….Art you are the most brilliant of journalists can you not get your posse together to do a series of articles of the dangers of mixing medications and make a promise to make sure that these articles are put in all newspapers once a year and on Television as well along with the internet on all sites? It is an idea but well worth its weight in intelligence. This loss of potential in Heath like Anna needs to stop.
January 24th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Jill, I agree what is with taking so long with the 911 calls? I mean 28 minutes? Remember the three C’s Check pulse.2) Call 911 3.)CPR. What is it with the bodyguards waiting 28 minutes to an hour for 911? Hey Art just thought I would give you my isp! Happy Birthday to you! You could have e-mailed Rose for it but I wanted to surprise ya! SURPRISE! OK Stern fans: Ready set go attack!!!!!
January 24th, 2008 at 10:39 am
Who is this John Gibson anchor at Fox that said that nasty stuff about him? Time to boycott Fox.
Whatever your feelings on Homosexuality it was a freaking movie, GET OVER IT!
I guess he was a great actor if so many losers took it as real.
My deepest sympathy goes out to Michelle,Matilda and Keiths family.
January 24th, 2008 at 10:43 am
The whole Mary Kate thing…. She was called because her bodyguard is an EMT and they were just around the corner from Heaths apartment. Well that was part of it but not all of it. It was very stupid to call her and not 911 but people do panic and do stupid things in situations like this. Still, we will have to wonder had they immedietly called 911 would they have been able to save him. Police reports on the news last night said that it appeared he had been dead for “some time.”
January 24th, 2008 at 10:57 am
WOW Art…Do you think someone will blame this one on Howard too?
January 24th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
When will they ever learn?
January 24th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Art Harris,
An other young man!!!! A talent man …..a father of a baby !!!! Sad so sad!!!!
January 24th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
What I’d like to know is who or how did TMZ get the breaking news, and who gave them the right to broadcast the news BEFORE the family of Ledger knew, and to have them heard via radio, sad. Where ever the info came someone needs to tighten up security,to protect privacy issues. And why the media thinks it’s newsworthy to watch a dead body being removed from the scene,is morbid. Once again they are reporting speculation, and hurting the loved ones of the deceased, I wish there to be new laws governing, Entertainment News, as I’m sure this is not very entertaining to the family,& friends to me it’s downright hurtful, and it needs to STOP!!JMO
January 24th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
This is such a sad thing. We don’t know what happened and really to me it doesn’t matter, it’s still sad for his family and I feel for them.
January 24th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Jill- In an article over on Perez Hilton, someone released a statement saying that Heath was dating MKO at the time of his death. But of course over on another website (TMZ) there is an article written that he was dating a model, (I can’t remember her name) And she was on her way to see him, when she gotten the call that he had passed. So who know’s what the truth is here. Seems no one can get their stories streight. Everyone is in such a hurry to release a article, they don’t care who they get their information from, or even if it’s accurate. I’m starting to wonder if they just pull people off the streets and ask them.
It’s sad how the media has turned out.
But my heart goes out to his family, friends, and especially his lil girl Matilda. Now she will have to learn about her daddy, the same way Dannielynn is going to about her mother and brother. Rest In Peace Heath!
January 24th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
this story makes me feel very sad, so many young adults dying and this is not illegal drugs it is perscription drugs. Very sad, did not hear of this years ago. You only died if you took a lot, now you can die if you take 2 with 1 other, very sad to loose such a nice young man.
January 24th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Sad. And it happened on Daniel’s birthday? Confirmation that overdozing on prescription drugs does happen much more often that we think.
Not to be sarcastic, but hopefully there will be no Virgie in this story.
January 24th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Oh silly Kerry. We do not argue with an underling like you. BTW, hope you enjoyed the little c and p assignment.
Bye
January 24th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
My deepest sympathy go out to Heath Ledgers family and his many friends,Daughter.From the way I understand it it wasMKO Bodyguard that was called because he lived very close and would get there faster than the police..The Police are saying 911 was called right after the body guard and that the bodyguard got there way before the police and EMT,I have a neighbor that is an EMT and when MY dad fell very ill he came over to help and was already doing what he could before the other EMT arrived. thank GOD.As far as the Media I had thought they would not release namesor I should say the police will not release names until the next of kin is called.Someone somewhere had to let the media know just who it was.ANS mother Claims I repeat claims she found out from a televised report about her daughters death..When you are a star or someone newsworthy it happens. Missy weeps for Anna I totally agree with you more people need to be made aware of the interactions between different drugs.I became aware when I read an article about grapefruit juice and prescription drugs,than my told me not to take over the counter drugs at the same time as prescription drugs.I read no where that 911 was not called for 28 minuets,maybe a media misrake that some people picked up on and will not let go.
January 24th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Sorry my Doctor told me
January 24th, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Kate- I’ve always wondered how the news media such as TMZ finds out so quickly. I’m kinda wondering if they have a CB. My grandfather had one when I was younger and he always had it set on the station the cops use, so we knew what was going on around town. Very interesting.
Kerry- Why must you feel the need to taunt HKS supporters? Are you that desperate for attention? Did you not get it enough as a child?
January 24th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
HEY ART, HOW COME I HAVE TO GO TO ANOTHER BLOG TO GET INFORMATION ABOUT DANNIELYNN’S SERIOUS EYE PROBLEMS? I THOUGHT THIS WAS YOUR STORY TO TELL. FORGET ABOUT O.J. THE MURDERING BUM!
January 24th, 2008 at 9:01 pm
My heart goes out to the family and friends of Heath. I was a young girl when i lost my dad and she will always carry this loss with her. I hope that she will have all the love and support she needs. Heath would want her to be happy.
January 24th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
I guess we should blame howard for this too. I miss Howard and Anna.
January 24th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
I guess we should blame howard for this too. I miss Howard and Anna.
January 24th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
So very sad and so young. My deepest sympathy to the family. Another young child without a father. Again the news media go all out with their stories. Get the facts and then come on the air. I am fed up with so many false stories all over the place.
January 24th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
It took 28 minutes for 911 to be called? I’m not buying it that MKO was called because her security was an EMT. Everyone knows to call 911 in an emergency. I’m wondering if she was called for “advice” on what to do with possible drugs laying around the room. Perhaps that’s what took so long. Maybe they removed drugs from the room and cleaned it up before authorities got there. IMO
January 25th, 2008 at 2:05 am
from a CNN site article:
“Two law enforcement officials who asked not to be named”(AP)(end CNN)if you can’t TRUST the authorites to zip it, who’s left!! Definately need an overhaul/ briefing and I’d expect a firing or two, this should not be considered ethnical, respectful, or in the line of duty, since Anna Nicole Smith’s death it seems the media has gotten out of hand, and I can’t even watch anything re: Heath because I don’t KNOW the truth, and neither do they, yet let’s get the experts in! They know!(nothing, shut up)the enemy is and will be the rumours that the media puts out, to hell with the facts, and the young daughter!! We got dirt spread it!!!! Sickening and I for one, am sick of it!!!
en·ter·tain·ment
–noun 1. the act of entertaining; agreeable occupation for the mind; diversion; amusement:
2. something affording pleasure, diversion, or amusement, esp. a performance of some kind:
news
–noun (usually used with a singular verb)
1. a report of a recent event; intelligence; information:
2. the presentation of a report on recent or new events in a newspaper or other periodical or on radio or television.
3. such reports taken collectively; information reported:
January 25th, 2008 at 2:36 am
Harvey Levin reported that he was first informed by a law enforcement officer. On the scene? The fastest scoop gets the biggest paycheck? Advertising dollars at work?
January 25th, 2008 at 2:38 am
Kerry:
Surprise, surprise, this is not an attack.
If a person is obviously gone, the smart thing to do is to call someone believed to be the closest to that person. What good is callig 911 when the body is already cold or there is no heart beat? The notion of reviving a person just so the person can live in a vegetative state is unkind.
Whoever is responsible for putting us on this earth also decides on the expiration date.
January 25th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
#6 In case you didn’t read the article right, it is about Health not Anna, so give it up!
AS for the Stern fans attack quote, give that up too!
In case you didn’t know most of the people who post on Art’s site have way to much class to get into a p!!!!!! war with you. This is a grown up adult site, not a kiddies play ground where bullies rule!!
Thank God Art moderates his site!!!!!
January 26th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Well, you need 911 to remove the body and someone has to pronounce the person dead. Someone is going to call the “Mother” and say ” need you to pick Heath up.” what nonsence. Art moderates this site and not the thought police.
January 27th, 2008 at 12:59 am
Oh good God, she has said it’s becuase MKO’s bodyguard was two houses down and it takes a very long time for EMT’s to get there. As for ‘being dead a long time’ the housekeeper heard him snoring like an hour before! Enough of the conspirisy crap! We’ll know in a few weeks if there were illegal drugs in his system or not. As for them having to ‘clean up illegal drugs’ I doubt she’d need help! It’s not like he would hae had stuff EVERYWHERE! Come on! These are the same tactics used to belittle Howard K. Stern, make stuff up, say it enough times until people start thinking it’s true…”I ‘heard’ it ’somewhere’” Rest in peace Heath, you were a great talent. God bless your family.
January 27th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I agree with #29, this article is about Heath
very inappropriate statement KERRY made but that entire group seem to have not social cues.
I hope the media backs off of this one. Some ppl need to realize that speculation makes you look stupid because you don’t know and it hurts the family.
January 27th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
**********edit to********
no social cues
firefox does not back space in the new program making editing a little more difficult but worth the pay off not having to be concerned about copy and paste our post
January 28th, 2008 at 1:51 am
Margie you are so right ,The media is so out of control and put anything on true or not and some people believe the worste instead of the best or the truth.Let the man RIP and his family mourn in piece.
January 29th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Life Insurance should have no ‘hoops’ to jump through.
The ‘Integrity’ of the name should stand alone…not the ‘Company.’
Buyer Beware.
January 31st, 2008 at 3:35 am
I just had a ’second thought’ about this NYPD detective, just
trying his best to do his job…
And, keep the Peace.
Wonder how much money he makes?
Everything seems ‘all upside down.’