Olsen Calls Actor a 'Friend'; Police Won't Interview Her

Jan 26, 07:14 PM

By Tom Hays

The Associated Press

NEW YORK

Mary-Kate Olsen says Heath Ledger was a "friend" in a brief statement released Friday, the same day police said they have no interest in interviewing the former "Full House" star.

Released by her publicist, the statement is the first word from Olsen since the actor's death. In its entirety, it reads:

"Heath was a friend. His death is a tragic loss. My thoughts are with his family during this very difficult time."

Police said the masseuse who found Ledger's body Tuesday spent nine minutes making three calls to Olsen before calling 911 for help, then called Olsen a fourth time after paramedics arrived.

A private viewing was scheduled for Friday at the Frank E. Campbell funeral home in Manhattan, and Ledger's family was flying to the United States from his native Australia.

Police set up barricades outside the funeral home as Ledger's relatives made arrangements to claim the body of the actor. Their plans were not immediately known, though Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith said his government would do whatever is needed to help the family take his body back to Australia.

Ledger's publicist, Mara Buxbaum, said no details about the funeral would be shared with the media.

Ledger's family placed a death notice in The West Australian, a newspaper based in his hometown of Perth, remembering him as "the most amazing 'old soul' in a young man's body."

(c) 2008 Virginian - Pilot. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved. Olsen Calls Actor a 'Friend'; Police Won't Interview Her
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