
"Mr. Heath Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine," the office said in a short statement.
"We have concluded that the manner of death is accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications."
Hydrocodone and oxycodone are painkillers. Diazepam is an anti-anxiety drug commonly sold under the brand name Valium; alprazolam is also an anti-anxiety drug, sold under such names as Xanax. Temazepam, sold under such names as Restoril and Euhypnos, is a sleeping agent, as is doxylamine.
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as reported by CNNUPDATE: Heath's family released the following statement:
We remain humble as parents and a family, among millions of people worldwide who may have suffered the tragic loss of a child. Few can understand the hollow, wrenching, and enduring agony parents silently suffer when a child predeceases them. Today's results put an end to speculation, but our son's beautiful spirit and enduring memory will forever remain in our hearts.
While no medications were taken in excess, we learned today the combination of doctor-prescribed drugs proved lethal for our boy. Heath's accidental death serves as a caution to the hidden dangers of combining prescription medication, even at low dosage.
Our family enjoyed an extremely happy two week visit with Heath just prior to the New Year. Those recent precious days will stay with us forever. We as a family feel privileged to have some of his amazing magic moments captured in film. To most of the world Heath was an actor of immeasurable talent and promise. To those who knew him personally, Heath was a consummate artist whose passions also included photography, music, chess and directing. We knew Heath as a loving father, as our devoted son, and as a loyal and generous brother and friend.
We treasure our beautiful granddaughter Matilda (to our dear Michelle) as well as an unbelievably wonderful network of close friends, forever, around the world. Families rarely experience the uplifting, warm and massive outpouring of grief and support as have we, from every corner of the planet. This has deeply and profoundly touched our hearts and lives. We are eternally grateful.
At this moment we respectfully request the worldwide media allow us time to grieve privately, without the intrusions associated with press and photography.
Such a shame.... was it really accidental????
you wouldnt take all of these with no intention of killing yourself?
dont believe it - he must have killed himslef
The makers of Oxycotin were just sued and it was found they mislead Doctors about the addiction properties of this drug. I think the final bill was $15 mil or something outrageous like that - sorry just googled it and it was $600 mil in damages!!! That sure wont bring back all the people who have died while taking the drug or the lives that have been ruined because they are addicted now. I sure hope there is an afterlife because this company deserves the right hand chair next to Satan himself.
Why are you of this opinion?
I was on Oxycontin (not OXYCOTIN) for passing kidney stones, I did not get addicted to them, in fact, it didn't even relieve the pain. BTW, anything can become addictive, exercise, work, sex, drugs, rock and roll (just kidding). So, yes, I guess it may have an addictive quality. At least it wasn't an overdose of food that killed him. Imagine those people (ME) addicted to icecream, it's LEGAL, so it's easy to get, at least with Oxycontin, you need a rx. Maybe it was suicide, maybe he was just trying to get some sleep, peace and quiet, or downtime, who knows. At least he's not on Earth suffering like some of us.
This is so sad. May he rest in peace.
whatever he is a moron for taking all those pills.
what hurt so bad that he was taking oxycotin?
Who is a moron?
Oxycodone is different from oxycotin.
His death is so tragic and sad! It still breaks my heart to think about it :(
That broke my heart reading the statement from his parents. Bless them.
r.i.p.
Alot of his medications are prescribed together~ I heard hydrocodone is really Ibuprofen. It looks like he was hurting, having a lot of anxiety, and wanted to relax when the masseuse came.
It seems like there have been a lot of deaths recently where anti-anxiety medicine and pain relievers are involved.
I feel sorry for his family.
Hydrocone has tylenol. I take Norco(10/325) which is Hydrocodone (5/500+) which comes in a variety of additional stregnths. Top No. is the opiate based % and the bottom No. is the tylenol % of each tablet. I also take Oxycontin (10,20,30,40,mg. depending on my Dr. but comes in 80mg. as well), Cymbalta (anti-depressant), Amitriptylin/Elavil (for sleeping), Tramadol/Ultram (also for pain), I do take Morphine as well. Tolerance is built up over time. Most of the time these are injested as per a schedule. I have not come even close to overdosing, only living one miserable day at a time with extreme pain, sleep deprivation and constipation. As far as I am concerned, anyone in this amount of pain must have been happily freed with death and I envy them tremendously. Why do you feel sorry for his family? Everyone dies and so will you. Death is always untimely to those who are "left behind".
I read somewhere that doctors are third leading cause of death.
Why would anyone give a 28 year old so many prescription medications? Do they get a bonus for every drug they sell?
This is just so sad!
Where is the line drawn between accidental overdose and intentional overdose?? Not trying to start any trouble, just asking a valid question...
From what I have read the generic name is oxycodone while the brand name is oxycontin. And I do have to wonder as well what was hurting so bad that he was prescribed this drug. It is normally prescribed for moderate to severe pain. Course we can never know what someone is going thru so he might have had a valid reason for having it. A sad situation no matter what way you look at it.
Just because you have money doesnt mean you should have a free reign to medications. If thats the case then when things like this happen the doctors should be held accountable ! They do take the oath after all - "I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody who asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect."
Course its really a moot point since you can get a pop of Oxy on the street ( even in small towns ) for $1 per mg and dont need a prescription anyway.
The statement was so touching and tragic.. RIP Heath.
As for the losers writing negative comments about Heath, can I just say, get the f*ck out?
i hope the doctors stop
I feel for everyone effected by Mr. Ledgers passing. As a person who was addicted to oxicontin can testify. This is the most dangerous narcotic prescibed today.Mix it with sleeping medication, and it will kill you!!!!!!!
so sad.
I find this news very shockig. when i heard about his death is was very unexpected. all of the movies he's been involve with were great. If anyone thinks that heath ledger will just get the oscar for the dark knight just because of his death, you really need to keep those comments to yourself. Heath Ledger in my eyes did some of the best acting i have seen in a while. He really did awesome in this movie, personally i think better than any actor played in the movie. RIP Heath. We all miss you, and let prayers be with you, your family, friends, and fans.
Well, that is why people should be informed about the closest alcohol rehab center in their neighborhood. This way, they might just seek help when reaching a certain stage in their drug addiction, but without any info they will surely end up as our friend here.
The talented ones always die so young sigh. I know this is a bit too late but RIP Heath :(
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