Brokeback Cowboy Heath Ledger Found Dead in Manhatten Apartment

Heath Ledger was found dead yesterday in a Manhatten apartment, apparently from an overdose of sleeping pills. He was aged 28, born in Perth, Australia.

Highly regarded as one of Hollywood's best young actors, he had excelled in some outstanding movies. In “The Patriot” he played the son of Mel Gibson. Other movies he starred in included “Monster's Ball” and “A Knight's Tale” He achieved acclaim in “Brokeback Mountain” as a gay cowboy, and got an Oscar nomination. In the new Batman movie “Dark Knight”, not yet released, he played his final role as the Joker.

Hollywood is stunned by his death as are his family, friends and admirers in Australia. His death was “tragic, untimely and accidental”, said his father. Near his bed were found a number of prescription sleeping pills.