Heath's Death Could Be Natural Causes

Heath LedgerIt sounds strange, but sources intimately connected with the Heath Ledger investigation tell TMZ it's possible the actor died of natural causes.

The reason they think that -- it's now appearing that the level of toxicity (from medication) in Ledger's system was low enough that it may not have caused his death. These sources say Heath's heart stopped. It could have been a heart attack but it's not certain, at least not yet. Although it's bizarre that a 28-year-old could die of natural causes, it happens.

We've also learned authorities do not believe the housekeeper heard Ledger snoring when she walked in his bedroom at around 1:00 PM. Sources tell us, a fireman observed rigor mortis in Ledger's jaw shortly after arriving on scene at around 3:30 PM. Sources say they now believe Ledger was dead for around three hours prior to their arrival, so they don't believe the housekeeper could have heard snoring.

Authorities are also annoyed at news reports that there may have been a sinister plot to remove illegal drugs from Ledger's apartment before cops and firemen arrived. There are reports out there that the masseuse called Mary-Kate Olsen and a plot was hatched to have her bodyguard remove certain drugs. Authorities tell us that's impossible, because the cops were there the entire time the bodyguard was present and there would have been no opportunity to carry out such a plan. They say it's a made up story.

As we first reported, the masseuse contacted the bodyguard because she knew he was a licensed EMT.

Reader Comments

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1. now why cant these people who make up these stories die of natural causes?

Posted at 6:56PM on Jan 26th 2008 by RoughDaddy

2. Although sad, this is good news. I hope Heath's name is cleared, and his good character remains. He deserves this - he was a great man.

Posted at 6:57PM on Jan 26th 2008 by DC

3. Authorities say that's impossible the bodyguard removed the drugs because they were with him the entire time, what a joke.
He probably came before the cops did. The masseuse could remove the drugs too.

Posted at 6:59PM on Jan 26th 2008 by alolo

4. I am so sad he is gone, but wouldn't be surprised if he did die of natural causes. RIP Heath -- you will be missed!

Posted at 7:13PM on Jan 26th 2008 by pammie

5. Is dying of AIDS = natural causes?

Posted at 7:01PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Cartman

6. I'm not surprised. I never believed the speculation that he committed suicide or took an overdose. The sleep meds might have had a contributory effect but ii would still be natural causes.

Posted at 7:01PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Boston Belle

7. He was a great man. Sitting here watching one of his movies "The Ten Things I Hate About You" and he looks so young and handsome - never even seen this movie before until my son pointed out to me that it's on. I agree with DC's post - I hope his good name is cleared too. He will be remembered forever young.

Posted at 7:06PM on Jan 26th 2008 by DF

8. Finally, actual comments from one of the world's most prominent experts on the meds found around Ledger's body. It also seems to affirm this article.

http://www.nypost.com/seven/01242008/news/regionalnews/doc_says_accident_unlikely_68522.htm

Posted at 7:04PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Expert Analysis

9. Yes and no! I had a friend who quit LSD 5 years before he died at the age of 25. Seems no matter when you quit the damage to the heart is usually already done! Unofficial cause of death- Heart attack due to prior drug use.

Posted at 7:03PM on Jan 26th 2008 by jbird

10. Cartman has AIDS apparently - Heath was sick - repiratory illness is very serious! Bless his soul.

Posted at 7:05PM on Jan 26th 2008 by 9

11. Well...D U H...I said this the first day the news came out on his death. It happens people. Still so sad and tragic.

RIP my friend. We hardly knew you. I loved you.

Posted at 7:04PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Bailey

12. I guess all the agencies are going to milk this death for everything they can. Luckily, no matter what it turns out to be, it won't ever get milked like they did A.N.Smith! That was ridiculous! What is sick is all the religious psychos talking smack and the conspiracy theories floating around. If He had of dies in L.A., you just know they would have tried to tie it somehow to Slutney! Too bad for Heath's friends, family, and especially his daughter!

Posted at 7:04PM on Jan 26th 2008 by This sucks!

13. Sad, I am glad it was natural causes as opposed to some of the nonsense tmz and some of the commentors have posted

Posted at 7:05PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Adrienne

14. I'm glad that this will put an end to the overdose theory. But how on earth does a seemingly healthy 28 year old die of natural causes? I mean, who hasn't experimented with drugs? I don't see how that could have ruined his heart that much. Strange.

Posted at 7:06PM on Jan 26th 2008 by NIK

15. Accidental death from prescription drugs, even when they are correctly given, is now the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S.

Posted at 7:08PM on Jan 26th 2008 by JuicyGirl

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