Movie News
Friend believes Ledger was anxious
Thursday 24 January 2008
The 28-year-old actor was found dead at his New York apartment on Tuesday; results of an autopsy conducted yesterday were inconclusive.
Reuters reports that in an interview with the West Australian newspaper, model Sophie Ward said that Ledger was worried about his split with actress Michelle Williams and their daughter Matilda during his Christmas holidays at home in Perth.
During the interview, Ward said: "We went to the movies and just did normal stuff... but he was a bit edgy. He couldn't really relax."
She continued: "He said he was going to London but was quite upset because he couldn't see his daughter as much as he'd like to. He was travelling so much and I think he was just frustrated with it all."
"He was clean and wasn't drinking any alcohol or taking drugs," said the model.
She added: "He smoked cigarettes, but that's about it. He was drinking diet Coke when we were together and he said he was very committed to not drinking alcohol. I don't believe he took his own life deliberately."
Police are treating Ledger's death as possibly drug-related and said sleeping pills were found close to his body.
But a spokeswoman for the medical examiner's office said on Wednesday that an autopsy had proved inconclusive and further tests were needed - which could take around 10 days.
The West Australian newspaper says that before Ledger returned to the US from Perth, he left a message with the film editor of the newspaper, thanking the media for leaving him alone.
He said: "I don't know whether it's a conscious thing or an unconscious thing, giving me space and respecting my privacy. It's just been awesome."
He continued: "I've had the most beautiful time back here and being able to see all my friends and family ... It's really enabled me to be a boy again from home and feel like I'd never left. It's truly been an incredibly therapeutic and a much-needed trip home..."
To view a special gallery on the life and career of Heath Ledger, click here.
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