R.I.P. Heath Ledger [UPDATES]

America’s “gay” Brokeback Mountain cowboy was found dead Tuesday in his Manhattan, New York apartment.

“Heath Ledger is dead”, New York Police Department declared just minutes ago. At the moment the cause of death is unknown. The New York Fire Department received a call at 2:27 responding to a “cardiac arrest call” in New York. When they arrived at the scene they found an unresponsive male, that was later declared dead at the site.

Heath was discovered by his housekeeper who was trying to wake him up for an appointment with a masseuse in his Soho apartment.

Heath Ledger was best known in the gay community of his role as Ennis Del Mar in “Brokeback Mountain,” a controversial movie about two gay cowboys who had a secret relationship. The Academy Award nominated actor was only 28.

Heath leaves behind a young daughter whom he had with actress Michelle Williams. May you rest in peace Heath Ledger. UPDATES AFTER THE JUMP.

[UPDATE] CNN is reporting that Heath Ledger may have died due to a drug overdose. “Pills were found in the vicinity of the bed,” police spokesman Paul Browne told CNN.

[UPDATE 1/24] Cult leader, Fred Phelps and friends are planning a picket party at Heath Ledger’s funeral. Phelps’ church released a statement on Jan. 22 announcing the protest. The statement began, “Yes. WBC will picket this pervert’s funeral, in religious protest and warning: ‘Be not deceived; God is not mocked.’” The cult added, “Heath Ledger thought it was great fun defying God Almighty and His plain word; to wit: God Hates Fags! & Fag-Enablers!”

Four calls were made to Mary-Kate Olsen before the 911 call was placed. Why? Apparently the masseuse knew MK was a little chummy with Heath. The two were secretly dating off and on for 3 months prior to Heath’s death.

Gossip mongul, PEOPLE magazine is probably going to stike rich this week with the grocery store checkout war as they are the only tabloid to feature a story on Heath Ledger’s death. PEOPLE’s issue closing date is late Wednesday night while the other tabbies closes their mag either on Monday or Tuesday night. The Heath Ledger issue hits newsstands Friday.

If you didn’t know, before his death Heath was working on a movie that was only a few weeks from being finished. So what are they to do with a multi-million dollar production? With all due respect, now director TERRY GILLIAM wants his pal Johnny to film the remaining scenes. A studio source said: “There is a point in the film when Heath falls through a magic mirror. He could change into another character after that and that is where Johnny would come in.

At the time of this update Heath’s cause of death is still inconclusive. The medical examiner is doing tissue sampling and it may take up to 10 days for a result.

Tags:  Death
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Photos: CNN

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