Actor Heath Ledger died of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs, including painkillers, tranquilizers and sleeping aids, officials said this evening.
"We have concluded that the manner of death is accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications," the New York City Medical Examiner's Office said in a statement.
Heath Ledger
Australian-born Ledger (28) renowned for his role as a conflicted gay cowboy in the 2005 movie 'Brokeback Mountain,' was found dead in his Manhattan apartment on January 22nd, with several prescription drugs nearby.
His death shocked film fans and fellow actors around the world and added his name to the list of movie stars who died young like Marilyn Monroe and James Dean.
An autopsy the day after his death proved inconclusive pending tissue and toxicology tests, the results of which results were released today.
"Mr Heath Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine," the statement said.
Oxycodone and hydrocodone are painkillers. Diazepam and alprazolam are anti-anxiety medicines. Diazepam is sold under the brand name Valium and alprazolam is sold under the name Xanax.
Temazepam is a sleep aid sold under the name Restoril. Doxylamine, a sleep aid and antihistamine, is an active ingredient in a number of over-the-counter medications, including NyQuil.
In a statement on behalf of the family, his father, Kim Ledger, thanked the actor's fans for their outpouring of support and asked to be allowed to grieve privately.
"While no medications were taken in excess, we learned today the combination of doctor-prescribed drugs proved lethal for our boy," the statement said.
"Today's results put an end to speculation, but our son's beautiful spirit and enduring memory will forever remain in our hearts."