|
|
|
|
|
Heath Ledger Update: Autopsy, Cause of Death and FuneralThe world is still in shock over this one... |
By Monica Gaza, Entertainment News Editor
24th of January 2008, 11:55 GMT
Adjust text size:  
|
|
It's only been a day since the talented Australian actor Heath Ledger passed away in his New York City apartment, and already there is a huge amount of information related to the circumstances of his tragic passing swirling around, a mixture of fact, speculation and rumors that makes me think the worse is yet to come. For Heath's sake (and for the sake of his daughter, close family and friends), I honestly hope this doesn't turn into an Anna Nicole Smith-like media circus, and that Heath will be able to rest in peace, his memory untroubled by pointless speculations and allegations. There's little chance for any of that at the moment though, and considering that already the dark shadow of drug abuse seems to loom over Heath's final months, I have a feeling we haven't seen anything yet - and I'm saying that in the worse way possible.
Some things are clear, though. For one, the universal reaction to Heath's death was one of shock, gratitude and compassion. Tributes have been pouring in from fans all over the world, and we can only hope that they will provide a little bit of support for his grieving family and close friends. Then, it has officially been confirmed that the actor's body will be laid to rest in his native city of Perth, Australia. Another fact is that filming for "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" (the movie Heath was working on) has officially been shut down, and the cast and crew were let go. And finally, the autopsy conducted on Heath's body yesterday ruled that both the cause and manner of death were inconclusive. What this means is that more tests (toxicology and tissue analysis among them) will have to be performed before we can know for sure what caused Heath's
heart to stop beating. The results will be back in ten to fourteen days, and then we'll know the truth.
Everything else connected to the cause of death is pure speculation. There were rumors that claimed the Police "recovered a $20 bill with narcotic residue on it" as well as "several drug packets containing an unknown substance" from the actor's apartment, but it was later claimed that the $20 bill was tested for drugs and it came back clean. There were several kinds of prescription pills in the house, including prescription anxiety drugs Valium and Zoloft, along with the prescription sleeping medication Ambien - but the pills were not strewn across the bed as it was initially reported. At this point, all we can do is wait and see - and prepare ourselves for another tidal wave of speculations and conspiracy theories. It's not going to be pretty...
|
|
| Rating: |
|
Good (3.6/5) |
5 vote(s) so far |
|
|
|
|
User opinions: |
| Comment #1 by: Rory D on 25 Jan 2008, 11:10 GMT |  reply to this comment | I think Heath died out of extreme sadness. |
| Comment #2 by: Danielle on 31 Jan 2008, 14:17 GMT | reply to this comment | I think yes he was probably sad...but I don't believe he purposely killed himself. There was rumors of him having pneumonia, I think being sick and being on all the prescribed medications can't be good for a person. Between sleeping pills, anti-depressants and medication for his illness...I don't think his body could handle all the extra "stress".
As well I found this write-up on valium:
• Do not take Valium (diazepam) if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. Valium (diazepam) may worsen this condition.
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
· have kidney disease;
· have liver disease;
· have asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or another respiratory disease; or
· are depressed or have suicidal thoughts.
I guess we just won't know for sure until we get the test results.
DM |
| Comment #2.1 by: Claudia on 30 Mar 2008, 05:23 GMT | Why do I have to do math to post??? What if I can't count??
Eh, thats neither here nor there. Do either of you have medical degrees??? If not, shut your "mouths". We all have webMD. You have nothing to do with this issue... neither do I, but I'm tired of logging onto my computer and seeing sniveling idiots such as yourselves acting like you mean anything to these people (actors, actresses, musicians etc) Heres a news flash for you, NO ONE CARES WHAT YOU THINK. Your opinion is not going to help his family deal with this loss any better, in fact your discussing his use of medications might make it worse.... think for one moment outside your own selfish existence and realize, how would you feel if your brother, sister mother, father or any other family member died.... would you care what someone who meant NOTHING in the grand scheme of things had to say??? I am married to someone whos band is pretty well known and have had it with you people. Back the hell off. |
| Comment #3 by: Danielle McBride on 31 Jan 2008, 14:20 GMT | reply to this comment | Also I just found this:
Valium (diazepam) may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.
DM |
|
|
|
