... therepautical mistakes, hope his shrinks will be known !

Adam Carson, Bellewue , Switzerland

It was with great sadness that Iwhen I heard of the loss of such a fine young actor.
It it a crying shame that we lose so many young actors and performers to this very reason. I am as shocked at Heath's passing as I was when I heard about Elvis. I don't understand why Dr.'s hand out prescriptions to people the way they do. Something should be done about it!
Heath will live on in my memory for his performance in the movie "A Knight's Tale", one of his movies in my collection. I share this movie with my children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
It is with heartfelt sympathy that my heart goes out to his family and loved ones.
I also have lost a daughter (33) whose death has left 2 children ages 6 and 3, without a mother. She passed away January 25, 2005 from cervical cancer and was a great fan of Heath. She took me to the movies to see both "The Patriot" and "A Knight's Tale". I still miss her today, she was my friend, my confident and a very good person.
Very tragic..

Lynda, Toronto, Canada

This is an absolute tragedy, but it should serve as a warning about abuse of prescription drugs to compensate for overwork, of which we are capable in today's driven society. Certainly it is a warning that the so-called 'glamerous' lifestyle doesn't necessarily bring happiness or peace of mind.

D A Littlewood, Sheffield, UK

I just wanted to say how tragic Heath's death is, I find myself still upset at the thought of such a young talented man dying in such a way. My heart truly does go out to his family and his little girl Matilda, I hope his family help her come to know him through their memories

God bless

Cheryl Armitage, Bradford, W.Yorks, England

I hope this will silence all the people who have tried to cash in or cheapen this tragedy - accidental overdoses of combined drugs do not denote addiction or any kind of slur.

Rest in peace, Heath

Hannah, Stafford, UK

i am really shocked at heath ledgers death. he was one of my favourite actors since i saw 10 things i hate about you. i hope that his sudden death has made people aware of the dangers that occur when taking so many different drugs. surely if these drugs were prescribed his doctor would know the potential dangers that the combined drugs could do?

i cant wait to see the batman film this year, its a shame that heath wont be here to revel in its success.

lianne oakley-rowland, oxford, england

heath ledger was one of the best actors to ever grace our screens. he will be sadly missed. God Bless his family.

Dawn Noutch, Grantham, England

Wow! What a wake up call on mixing perscription medications. I have had alot of pain issues in the past and remember sometimes thinking should I take another or will this be deadly. My heart goes out to your entire family and our prayers are with you during this difficult time. At the end of the the day you realize we are all just people the same ,and this could happen to anyone. Julie

Julie Pettit, Lonetree, Colorado

If people close to Heath knew he was having problems why didn't they help him? Why didn't they suggest talking to a doctor? If people don't act on what they see happening or fi they are so selfish that they don't really bother to help someone like this then this is the sort of thing that happens. How very sad, what a beautiful young man he was, I am very upset. What a loss to everyone - especially his little daughter.

carole hesford, Hale, UK

With all deaths, family and friends suffer greatly. That big empty hole can never be filled, but will shrink in time so you can live on with your memories. My thoughs are with Heath's family and friends...... I wish them peace.

Lindsey , Vancouver,

Sad, but don't lose too much sleep over it.

The list of medicines includes three types of benzodiazepine. Why was he having them prescribed? And to be fair, on their own it's all but impossible to kill yourself with benzos, even with quite heroic doses. And even you add in alcohol.

I suspect the real danger for this man was in the opiates that he was taking. Again, two different types. What was his doctor thinking?

I'm sure the man wasn't stupid, and probably did realise that it wasn't wise to take so any drugs.

He might have accidentally poisoned himself, but he may simply have been trying to kill the pain associated with a mixed anxiety/depression state, and presumably also some real physical pain, hence the opiates.

His GP ought to have been more on guard.

Chris Palmer, Southampton,

I am still very upset that this very telanted actor has passed away and he was such a misunderstood person when it came to the media. If only the media could put themselves in his position he just wanted to act and get on with life because he loved his craft and didn't see why there was such a fuss over what his personal life had to be put in the media so much. Get in touch with your personal side and see it through the circus that these actors see it for and let them all get on with there lives without the bullshit that they have to put up with daily.
Lets not forget he was an Australian who loved his family and was very proud of his country so lets respect this beautiful man for what he was and will always be - Now at Peace and watching from above. May you watch over your family and keep them safe.Aussie Aussie Aussie xxx

Amanda, Sydney, Australia

Thisis so tragic. People don't realize that even side affects from these medications can make you go crazy. I have witnessed my partner's deteriorate due to the side affect of an anti-depressant. It made him believe he was an animal and he couldn't even sit still or sleep for one minute. When the Insider showed a bit with Heath Ledger before he died in his last interview, he was seen as very jumpy and moving around a lot. This was the exact signs that my partner had. I knew they would discover that it was this medication that caused this. My partner ended up causing scenes in public and was placed in jail, which caused him to now have a record. He has since taken himself off the medication and is completely back to normal; however now he has a criminal record to deal with. PLEASE PEOPLE...take this as a warning to all to watch what their doctors are precribing, because they can literally ruin your life.

Trina Kelly, Toronto, Canada

God took such a wonderful soul??? God had nothing to do with it Chandra. The man took too many Rx pills ? Certainly more than prescribed. God gives us Free Will, it is as simple as that. Amazing how people think !!

Ruckus, Myrtle Beach, SC USA

Very, very sad. I still can't believe it. It's so tragic I can't really put into words. It's ironic really cos he struggled to sleep and now he will sleep for eternity. Sleep tight Heath xxxxx

Susan, Billingham, England

I can't believe the rubbish some people like to write about him, i guess it makes a better story than some-one struggling with pain and sleep deprivation making a mistake. We all do make mistakes so why can't everyone accept that this is one of them. Maybe now everyone can shut up and leave him in peace. I feel bad for all this muck raking that has been in the press about him and his family has had to see it. Shameful.

Debbie, Calgary, Canada

I my heart still doesnt understand why god choose to take such a wonderful soul from this earth xxx ooo rest in peace Heath

chandra, edmonton, canada

I think everyone needs to get on with their own lives, this was a sad and untimely end to a young mans life and we should all let him rest in peace. Regardless of the circumstances regarding his death, the fact is a family has lost a much loved son and a daughter her Dad.
My heart bleeds for his family and his young daughter, who will not have her dad there for all the big moments in her life.
Rest in peace xxxxx

mel, gold coast, australia

Correction to the previous poster: hydrocodone is widely available and is one of the most commonly prescribed pain medications in the United States.... It being used for terminal illness alone would be rare, as it's not a particularly strong pain reliever to begin with. So, him having it is not that unlikely. I have personally had it prescribed to me every time I've had to do anything at the dentist or suffered any mild injury...

Thomas, Knightdale, North Carolina

As I suspected - doctors prescribing drugs to an overworked human being who probably would have been better off taking a year off...how terribly sad and unnecessary. Excess stress leading to sleeplessness leading to chronic pain, leading to adrenal fatigue, leading to depression and the docs have a little remedy for managing all rather than eliminating the root cause. And patient trusted doctors knowledge because they are the experts, right?!? As a celebrity he made the headlines , many others do not. Be aware of drug overuse and doctors focusing on managing symptoms rather than eliminating the root cause(s).!!

Ute, Graham,

db from Los Angeles is wrong - Oxycodone and Hydrocodone are substance controlled by the DEA - but they can be prescribed for a variety of different reasons and are not necessarily given only to patients with terminal illness. For example hydrocodone is given to many patients after dental procedures and post-surgical procedures. My father was also prescribed these drugs while he was dying from cancer, but as a veterinary student I know that they can be prescribed for other things. I think the real problem is that many doctors will give prescriptions for these medications and not explain the severe effects they can have when mixed with other drugs - client education is important. ...How does db know that Heath didn't have a good reason for having the drugs? That is an unfair assumption. I would like to know why he was prescribed several drugs that all do the same thing, several of which cause respiratory depression.

J, Minneapolis ,

A careless terrible loss of humanity and talent. I wish it wasn't so. Drugs for fun and drugs from a doctor can cause death. We need close friends and associates to watch out for us so we do not make mistakes and unintentionally kill ourselves. Despite it all Heath Ledger is already a legend due to his art.

Dr. Frank R. Douglas, Columbia, South Carolina, USA

i still find this story quite surreal and very very sad
i was very much an admirer of heath ledgers talent [as well as his good looks and i am no lovestruck teenager having 3 daughters of my own!] kim ledgers statement is heatbreaking and i hope i never find myself in his position
i cannot believe in the 21st century that this sort of abuse of prescriptive drugs is still happening was nothing learnt from the death of the king [ i refer to elvis of course] his story is still talked and speculated about 30 plus years on!!!!!
always always read the leaflet that comes with the pills it is usually very informative i am amazed that many people do not read this information
heath whatever plain you walk on now i hope your soul is not troubled by your early leave of this world as a parent i am sure you would never have intended to leave mathilda it was clear in the media you were a doting father
casanova my heart is heavy you left this world too soon
i sincerely hope you rest in peace

victoria, northampton, uk

Heath Ledger was an amazing man. We all have seen his movies in which he portrayed roles only the great can. Heath I will miss you and never forget the inspiration your movies left in me. Rest in peace Heath, rest in peace.

-Cody Millo

Cody Millo, New Milford, New Jesrey / USA

When I heard I knew, only because the doctor wrote me a couple scrips on time similiar to the ones Heath took. When I went to have them filled the pharmacist refused to fill all of them together I asked why, he said they will kill you if mixed, he said they will stop your breathing and you will go to sleep and not wake up, he also stated it could cause me to have a heartattack. So when I heard and seen the pills I knew in my heart that is what happened to Heath, what a shame that someone, Doctor of Pharmacist did not worn him... Tragic loss of a great man, actor, father, son and friend.
Cindy Kirkpatrick, MI

Cindy Kirkpatrick, Algonac, MI

It was very sad for my family and I to hear of the news of this tragedy. My boys now 11 and 15 and I had many times over the years watched "A Knights Tales "while we were camping. My boys and I knew all the words by heart and loved watching Heath in the Movie. It is odd that is the movie that the boys and I would watch to help settle us down before we fell asleep for the night. I also hope people will become more aware of the dangers of prescription pain meds and anxiety meds. I have had 3 friends over the last 7 years pass away from the same thing. A 29 yr old mother age of 2 young boys, a 35 year old mother of 2 young daughters and a son, and a 35 year old father of two young 2 boys. All 3 of these wonderful people were not drug users or alcohol users and hard workers and had no idea that combining them would kill them. I agree with David in the prior msg of sleep being takin for granted and hope the press will use this information to help people instead of tear them down.

maura, ls, missouri

Very sad that such a young man died ,but oboviously he never should of been prescribed all that medication in the first place.
Now a liitle girl has lost her father and a mother and father have lost there son thats the most tragic thing about it

akea, brisbane, queensland

There was no doubt in my mind that when I heard about the tragic death of Heath I knew it was phyciatric medication. These medications cause more suicides, accidental deaths and ALL of the school shootings than anyone really knows about.
As a side note, there is NO SUCH THING as any diagnosed phyciatric disease. Really do the research and you will find that out for yourself. They are a huge fraud only there to make money meanwhile killing a lot of innocent people and hurting alot of familys.
Phiciatry is a dying industry and a fraud. Just add this tragic story to the bottom of the list.

Lyndsay, St. Louis, Mo

That's so tragic isn't it? Just the smallest of decisions and he lost his life, very sad.

A message for all of Heath's family and friends should they ever visit this site.

I’m so sorry for your loss. You will obviously miss Heath greatly and as you can see from the millions of people around the world who are leaving messages all over the internet to him he will be missed by many, myself included. I am a huge film fanatic and it is very rare for me to be able to say that I liked every single film within an actors filmography, but I genuinely did like all of the films he was involved in. Heath was obviously brilliant at being able to spot a good script and he always delivered brilliant performances in all of his films, that just goes to show how special and talented Heath was within the film industry, his dream and work brought so much entertainment to us film lovers, he really done you proud.xxx

Debra , Middlesex, England

With all due respect to the amazing and much adored (myself included!) Mr Ledger:
It is unfortunate that no one is going to understand the severity of these specific drugs (oxycodone and hydrocodone were both prescribed sparingly for my father, who was 64, when he was in the final stages of bone cancer)... The real question is how did Mr Ledger get those kinds of painkillers? He had no terminal disease or injuries. I had to actually go to the doctor's office to physically receive the script from the nurse for the oxycodone for my father. They would not even phone it in due to the highly addictive nature of the drug!

People are going to write this off as a lack of judgement, but it seems pretty clear that Mr Ledger was out of control and tragically addicted to pain meds, if nothing else. Once again, a missed opportunity for Hollywood to educate the masses and potentially influence some positive change rather than spin golden fluff so that a star can float off into the sunset.

db, Los Angeles, CA

Heath Ledger will be missed the world of cinematology. He was a great actor and I thoroughly enjoyed his work, but to hold him so highly over dozens that die in much worse conditions everyday around the world, this should not be idolized. Secondly, to say that he "accidentally" died from abuse of prescription drugs is far fetched. "We have concluded that the manner of death is accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications." When you abuse any strong substance, the results from it can hardly be accidental. Accidental and overdose don't belong in the same sentence. Now that doesn't mean that his life did not matter. He will be missed. Let's just not let denial push aside the truth.
God rest his soul.

Mel, Memphis, TN

Everyone is responsible for their use or abuse of drugs, perscribed or otherwise, legal or illegal. One doctor would have never perscribed all those medications to be taken at the same time, or advised their usage together. I believe the statement reads that the cause of death was "abuse of perscription drugs". Very common, and unfortunate. Some of us witness this in our own families. We all loved Heath, but let us learn a lesson from the tragedy and educate our children on drug an alcohol abuse so we can save lives of all of God's precious children and keep them safe from the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Just say no!

Berlin, Chicago, IL

Like Icarus who flew too close to the sun, then fell back to earth.

Wendy, Halifax, Canada

I too never met Heath, but I am so saddened by his death. He was so young with so much left to do in this world. Why did his Doctors not see how bad the problem was, that he needed to sleep so badly, and monitored the drugs they were giving him.

I loved the way he was with his child, it was obvious how much he adored her.

Rest in Peace Heath, you will be sorely missed.

Flo, Dundee, Scotland

May the Universe keep you safe and at peace. Love and Blessings to your family and friends. Heath, you have touched my heart so deeply and I weep for you. But not let his death be in vain. Educate yourselves on these presription drugs. Tell your Dr. what you are taking . My father almost died when he went to one Dr. for a prescription and then had tosee another Dr. and was prescribed something else. He actually read up on the mixing of these drugs and found out that it could be fatal. It is up to Dr.yes, to monitor their patients, but also the patients must be forthcoming with all the info if they are seeing different Dr.(not saying that Heath mentioned or did not mention this to his Dr.)we do not know.
Bless you bright shining star. Journey well.
fan in Victoria

willow, victoria, B.C.

My heart and prayers go out to Heath Ledger's family. I only knew Heath but watching his films - 10 Things I Hate About You and the Patriot. He brought such joy into many lifes with his beautiful smile. God Bless.

Sharon Lycos, Lansing, Michigan (United States)

That's just depressing...I'm never taking pills again!

Hala, Lethbridge, Canada/ Alberta

I was incredibly saddened by Ledger's passing.
What a waste, what a beautiful man, what a lovely
voice he had, too.

Melanie, Switzerland

Melanie Sands, Luzern, Switzerland

What a tragedy. It is still so hard to believe.
Michelle & Heath's family & friends as well as a lot of fans knew it was an accident.
Heath had so much to live for.
Especially his beautiful daughter: Matilda.
Surely now he will be left alone.
And hopefully the mud raking will stop.
He will be remembered as a fantastic actor, father, lover, son, brother & friend. He deserves to be remembered for all these things.
To a great Aussie: Heath rest in peace. You will always be remembered.

Pat, Brisbane, Qld

I found the news of heath to be extremely devasting and upsetting. it happened to be the anniversary of my fathers death and my heart was with michelle and their daughter matilda. i found him to be an extremely taleneted man, gorgeus ofcourse but beautiful in many other ways. i hope in time the media will stop poundering the news with stories about him, etc. I send all my love to his family, friends, and anyone else in the world feeling such sorrow. Continue to be strong!
love always,
ruth

ruth, new york city, ny

Nobody can judge another person's life ! Nobody has walked a step in someone else's shoes. All we can do is give loving space to what is unfolding, so that this space is a safe place for those who are so vulnerable now. That is what I am doing for Heath Ledger and his grieving family with all my respect.

Although I never met him his very soul was so present and therfore we could receive him in our hearts. I can truly feel the pain that comes from the vacuum his absence is leaving and at the same time I am grateful that this wonderful soul was here walking the Earth with me and shared his light.

Little do we know about a soul's journey, his journey ended and we are left in wonder. Farewell Heath Ledger and Thank you for having been who you were: an authentic source of great joy, awareness and tenderness who left glowing footprints and a beautiful smile in my heart.

Doro Meincke, Fremont, California, USA

Re 1st post: How did Heath get this cocktail of drugs ?. . . . I have read that 3 of the prescriptions were issued in Europe (The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus was being filmed in London) and 3 were issued in the US. Differenct doctors, differenct countries, and likely no discussion. Very tragic.

Karen, Ottawa, ON

Dave in Adelaide - what evidence is there that he had any form of mental illness, however mild? (I do not consider insomnia a mental illness).

Heath you will be missed.

Katy Sara, Oxford, UK

"Anxious people easily take more medicine that [sic] they should when relief is not immediately obvious"... "a man clearly suffering some mild mental illness"

Come off it! Anxiety is a state of apprehension or uneasiness ... NOT a mental illness.

My condolences to Heath's family.

T, Bellevue,

We're all connected - thousands mourn the loss of Heath Ledger who only met him through his film work. To me, it was a tragedy to hear of his death and to lose someone with such an extraordinary talent. In every movie there was an inner light that shone through his characters which mesmerized his audience. Much as been said about his drug use, but he didn't lose his life over illegal drugs, but through the use of common prescription drugs, which he in "good faith" received from his "doctors". The drug companies have monopolized the health of this country for hundreds of years, our medical doctors are educated in schools that are funded by the drug companies, and the overall lack of integrity as well as pure stupidity of prescribing drugs to alleviate the symptoms created by other drugs is shocking. We've lost a true talent from the ignorance of doctors, and my heart is genuinely saddened.

Kathleen Bennett, Middletown, CA

I didnt know heath Ledger and he didnt know me, but his untimely & accidental death is so tragic, that I have found it hard to come to terms with, quite how his family are able to cope, is beyond me, they are in my prayers.
Heath wanted what most of us take for granted; sleep, if only someone had got to him before it was too late.
I sincerely hope the press who have done ther upmost to caste false aspertions about him,feel guilty for their actions.
The world has lost a fine young actor and his daughter a loving father.
Rest in peace Heath.

David Dunmore, Cambridge, UK

To Michelle Williams and Ledger Family,,
((Michelle Especially)) You probably will never read this small sentiment.
But please know that your grief is felt half a world away. May the (God)dess hold you and console you in your most desperate hour. I hope that somehow you can feal that Love can never die.
Blessings.

Lindsey, Monmouth Beach, New Jersey

Perhaps what is missing in all of this is just how he came to have this cocktail of prescription drugs.

What kind of clinician would prescribe this combination in enough quanitites to cause death due to overdose to a man clearly suffering some mild mental illness and hence impaired self judgement?

Anxious people easily take more medicine that they should when relief is not immediately obvious.

At the very least these overpaid charlatans that feed off celebrities should be censured and stripped of their licence - if not for anything else then for medical incompetence

dave, adelaide, australia

What a tragedy. Michelle & Heath's family & friends as well as a lot of fans knew it was an accident. Heath had so much to live for.
Especially his beautiful daughter: Matilda.
Surely now he will be left alone.
And hopefully the mud raking will stop.
He will be remembered as a fantastic actor, father, lover, son, brother & friend. He deserves to be remembered for all these things.
To a great Aussie: Heath rest in peace. You will always be remembered.

Pat, Brisbane, Qld

I feel so terrible for Heath and his family, it is always highly unfortunate when someone dies at a young age. It is even more so unfortunate when that person is as increibly talented as Heath. He always seemed like such a down to earth person and that is why so many people loved him and his work. I makes me sad to think of the films that will not be the same because Heath is no longer here to give them his special touch. But above all he was a father to a beautiful little girl and I am going to keep her in my prayers always. I hope that her family brings her up telling her all of the good things about Heath and not the things that the media has so cruelly brought up about him and drug use in recent days.

Christina, Atlanta, Georgia

I am so sorry to the family, for this sudden tragic happening, my heart and soul go out to them. The beauty of this actors work lay in his uncanny ability to approach his roles from a humanistic brilliance that brings courage to the decent hearted.

I am passionately and poignantly moved to action and education of pharmaceutical medicine.
and the cruelty- free growth of plants herb,seed,berry,blossom,leaf,bark,root,and leaf
whole food,
access to user friendly knowledge of nourishment,healing,repair,maintenance,vitality.

Heath, I send you thanks on how you touch my life through art may you always have access to whole plant synergy options One,

then man-made naturals or synthetics, with possible contraindications, Two.

Ones choice lies in ones faith of pure knowledge,
and I feel you share of your being, heartfelt, love

Our country,globe,family,community are the care takers, nourisher's of one another,of earth,
our outer and inner globe. May we all have access to true choice

Srv, Victoria, BC, Canada

I still cant believe heath has died, heath had probably not realised that it was dangerous to mix tablets.I admire heaths family for keeping his funeral private and not turning it into a media circus. He is my favourite actor , i liked him because he didnt seem to have a big ego, which is unusual in the film industry. he was a breath of fresh air, i feel so sorry for his family ,michelle and his buddy jake. (sending you a kiss heath ) heartbroken fan.

sarah, london,

I can´t believe this yet... I mean...who gave him the prescriptions for all that??
Really...he was gorgeous and talented..you could tell he loved his little baby with all his heart, he was a gentleman and a shy boy.
This is heart breaking, rest in peace Heath...
Love, g.

G, London,