My RSS FeedReader popped up ‘Head Ledger Found Death’. For a brief second I thought it was another viral campaign, until I actually saw that the news came from IESB, then SuperHero Hype, BBC News and Cinematical. Then it actually sunk in. The first feeling was shock. Hollywood stars don’t die like this. Nobody saw it coming. It is now all over the internet, all over the TV, it will be in the newspapers tomorrow morning. <!–More–>

Harry over at AICN has posted his story minutes, even seconds after him hearing the news, you can feel it in his post. I waited a while for it to sink in before posting rants or getting caught up in all of the shock. Here are the basics:

• He was found around 3:35
• He had arranged for a massage and the masseuse knocked on the door, with no reply.
• When no one answered, the housekeeper and the masseuse opened the bedroom and found Mr. Ledger naked and unconscious on a bed, with pills scattered around his body. They shook him, but he did not respond. They immediately called the authorities.
• Police are investigating the possibility of an overdose

This is truly sad news. However, sometimes people do have problems and issues, even if they aren’t paraded in magazines every week. This is either suicide or an accidental overdose, as they can sometimes happen.

Ledger had been filming The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, whether he had completed his filming or still had more to come is currently unknown. Whatever the case is, he is still The Joker in The Dark Knight. I highly doubt that this is the type of publicity Warner Brothers want for The Dark Knight, however some things in life cannot be controlled. I have a feeling that The Dark Knight will be seen by more people, much more than it could have previously, due to this event.

Last year Ledger split from Michelle Williams, who he met on the set of Brokeback Mountain. He leaves behind a daughter aged 2.

Update: This is apparently the one of the last images taken of Heath. It was taken in London on Saturday, while filming The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

Update: Warner Bros have released a statement

“The studio is stunned and devastated by this tragic news. The entertainment community has lost an enormous talent. Heath was a brilliant actor and an exceptional person. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.”

Update: Heath Ledger recently gave an interview to WJW FOX in Cleveland where he said, “I feel good about dying because I feel alive through her.” He was talking about his young daughter Matilda.

Update: Heath’s death was accidental…what a waste..