Heath Ledger Died Today

GLAAD released this statement:

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) mourns the death of actor Heath Ledger, who died today at the age of 28. GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano released the following statement:

“Heath Ledger will forever be remembered for his groundbreaking role as Ennis del Mar in Brokeback Mountain. His powerful portrayal changed hearts and minds in immeasurable ways. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

The investigation into the cause of death continues, although drugs appear to be the cause:

"Law enforcement sources told celebrity website TMZ.com they did not believe it was a crime, saying prescription and non-prescription drugs were found strewn near his body.

New York Police Department spokesman Paul Browne said: "We are investigating the possibility of an overdose."

"There were pills within the vicinity of the bed," Mr Browne said.

As news of Ledger’s death made its way across the internet, the Police Department issued a fairly terse summary of the death: “ON TUESDAY, 01/22/08, AT APPROXIMATELY 1530 HOURS, IN THE CONFINES OF THE 5 PRECINCT, POLICE RESPONDED TO 421 BROOME STREET AND FOUND A M/W/28 UNCONSCIOUS. THE VICTIM WAS PRONOUNCED DOA AT THE SCENE. M.E.’S OFFICE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF DEATH. INVESTIGATION CONTINUES.”