Prescription Drugs Found in Ledger's Apartment Officials: Ledger Had 6 Prescriptions, but No Illegal

Jan 24, 07:35 AM

By Tom Hays and Karen Matthews

The Associated Press

NEW YORK

Six types of prescription drugs were found in actor Heath Ledger's apartment - including anti-anxiety medications and sleeping pills - though the cause of his death won't be known for several days after a preliminary autopsy Wednesday was inconclusive, authorities said.

A rolled-up $20 bill was also found on the floor near his bed, but lab tests detected no traces of drug residue. Police also said no illegal drugs were found in the apartment.

Among the prescription medications found were pills to treat insomnia and anxiety, and an antihistamine, according to two law enforcement officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing. Three of the drugs were prescribed in Europe, the sources said.

The Australian-born actor, 28, was found dead Tuesday by his housekeeper and a massage therapist - lying face-down on his bed, police said. The pills were found in bottles in Ledger's bedroom and bathroom, and police said the death was caused by a possible drug overdose and appeared to be accidental.

Ellen Borakove, a spokeswoman for the medical examiner's office, said the autopsy on the actor was inconclusive and that more would be known in about 10 days, when more tests were completed.

Police said Ledger probably died Tuesday between 1 and 2:45 p.m. At 1 p.m., the housekeeper went into his bedroom to change a light bulb, saw him sleeping, and heard him snoring.

At 2:45 p.m., massage therapist Diana Wolozin showed up for her appointment with Ledger, who didn't answer when she knocked on his door. She then tried to call him on his cell phone but again got no response. She went into the bedroom, set up her massage table, and again tried to wake Ledger.

Wolozin told police that Ledger was cold to the touch, and she assumed he was unconscious. She used his cell phone to call actress Mary Kate Olsen, whose number is programmed into the phone. Wolozin knew that the former "Full House" star and Ledger were friends, and she asked Olsen for advice on what she should do next.

Olsen, who lives in Manhattan but was in California at the time, reportedly responded by saying she would send over her private security guards to help . In the ensuing moments, Wolozin realized that Ledger might be dead. She called Olsen again, then called 911.

The emergency operator provided Wolozin directions on how to do CPR, but it was too late.

Paramedics arrived minutes later - at about the same time as Olsen's security guards.

reticent, shy star

Memories of the actor. The Daily Break

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