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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61. FACT : DEAD BODIES MAKE SOUNDS !!!

They are "bodily function" sounds. So, she could have very well heard what was the last bit of air escaping from his lungs, sounding to her like snoring.

P.S. Dead people fart, too !

Posted at 7:58PM on Jan 26th 2008 by noitall

62. I do know of several young men in their twenties that died of natural causes and from a heart attack. My own brother had five heart attacks before he died at age 51. It is not impossible. I do believe the DJ that disrespected Heath Ledger should be ashamed of himself for being disrespectful of the dead.

Posted at 12:03PM on Feb 9th 2008 by countrycousin

63. I hope if this is the case, then all those people who made some sort of comment that he was a Drugie, that he Overdosed and or killed himself have the guts to say sorry. People shouldnt judge before all the facts are known.

Kellie Australia.

Posted at 8:05PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Kellie

64. TMI noitall.

Posted at 8:01PM on Jan 26th 2008 by :(sad girl

65. so if it's natural causes are all of you ppl gonna apologize?

Posted at 8:02PM on Jan 26th 2008 by :(sad girl

66. A TMZ fluff piece. Reality poster is correct. And, I believe the housekeeper and/or masseuse heard something. Why would you make that up? As was stated, toxicology results will take 8-10 days. I still haven't read, other than rumors, that this man had pneumonia. Oh what a tangled web we weave................

Posted at 8:05PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Mojito

67. next, everyone will be saying it was caused by autoerotic asphyxia. who knows? it's too late to do anything now. the man had a better life than 99% of the poulation, and many times in the past 10 years i didn't have the money to see any of his films... in many interviews, you can see his mannerisms reflect or suggest a manic/ depressive disorder.

his insomnia was most likely caused by extreme jet lag,,,, in december, he was in australia visiting family over the christmas holiday, then london to work on "the imaginarium of dr. parnasus" then, new york... no wonder he couldn't sleep, he worked himself to death.... and also, his last breakup probably broke his heart. he had a great life. but it sucks so much that it ended like this.
i am impressed by him leaving home at 16, and going 2700 miles across his homeland to pursue his career, and then come to los angeles at 19, and do everything he did, in a short decade. it's an amazing life he had traveling, and working, and dating so many beautiful women.
i am glad he didn't end up nameless working a dead end job, with a broken back, poor eyesight, and rotting teeth. unless someone builds a fully functioning time machine, there is simply nothing anyone can do, ever.
yes, it is a sensless, and great loss to our film going. but time will fade the memories and dull the pain. i hope his role as joker will forever be his great achievement.,

rest in eternal peace , heath , a great life, that was spent well.

Posted at 8:05PM on Jan 26th 2008 by tom

68. this is possibly a wake up call for all prescription users. i myself take a few psychiatrist prescribed drugs, prozac and seroquel. unfortunately many drugs prescribed have not been tested enough, yet somehow pass FDA standards. Drug companies court doctors to prescribe these drugs. It is all about money. I believe this is a HUGE problem in american pharmecuticals, hopefully the tragedy of heath's death will bring light to this.

Posted at 8:06PM on Jan 26th 2008 by sputnik

69. To"Heath Is Clean Of Drugs", - you're a fool. Read the opinion of his Daughter's mother. I think she may actually know more about it than you.

http://perezhilton.com/2008-01-26-digging-up-dirt#respond

Posted at 8:05PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Sometimes Reality Hurts

70. I certainly hope the speculations stop. We'll learn soon enough what took the life of this bright, amazing young man. We need to remember and respect that there are family, friends and loved ones who are mourning this tragic loss and give them the time and space to do so. Our prayers and thoughts are with them. Rest in peace Heath.

Posted at 8:09PM on Jan 26th 2008 by perrito lover

71. Let the man rest in peace! Whatever the reason he died, his family and child are devastated, does the public need to add to their pain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Move on with your lives and leave him alone.

Posted at 8:11PM on Jan 26th 2008 by taz64

72. What's the point TMZ? You have not added one additional fact to the facts already disclosed to the public. The autopsy hasn't been completed yet. The story has not been told.

Posted at 8:13PM on Jan 26th 2008 by toomanydoggies

73. What is wrong with the natural causes thing. Everyones body is different. My mom died at 32 of a heart attack. over worked and over stressed.

Posted at 8:13PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Tina

74. This is what happens when nonprofessionals try to discuss medical examiner and crime scene business. That, or the MKO team bought you off. You couldn't be more wrong Wrong WRONG.

Posted at 8:37PM on Jan 26th 2008 by Forensic expert

75. Yes, someone so young can die of natural causes. So sad but true. All the hype from the junk news sucks ... can't let a good guy RIP. So the list goes on, my prayers go out to his family and those that love him. He will be missed as an actor, a friend and a person.

Posted at 8:45PM on Jan 26th 2008 by elwight

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