Heath Ledger's family have expressed their heartbreak at losing their son and brother in a series of death notices in an Australian newspaper.
In a message published in the West Australian, the actor's mother Sally wrote: "Our darling boy, special in so many ways to all of us. You knew you were so loved. You lived life with courage and daring and we are so grateful for the wonderful times we shared. We will be there for Matilda [Ledger's daughter]."
Ledger's older sister Kate wrote: "I can hardly breathe when I try to write this. We were the ultimate in soul mates. I feel both my heart and life have been torn apart. I loved our special talks, our daily chats from where ever you were in the world."
She also wrote: "I especially loved all the precious time we spent together. We were so fortunate to have you as long as we did. You were so many things to so many people, but to me you were just my little brother."
The actor's father Kim wrote: "My beautiful boy, so loving, so talented, so independent, so caring, so young... no more chess games mate... this is it, couldn't beat you anyway!"
"My body aches for the sound of your voice, our chats, our laughs and our life and times together."
A message from all of the family read: "How do we describe our sudden and tragic loss?... You were the most amazing individual "old soul" in a young man's body."
"Your true legacy lives on in beautiful little Matilda, who will always remain in the greatest of care. Our hearts are broken."
Ledger was found dead in his New York apartment earlier this week. Police are investigating the possibility that he died from a drugs overdose.
To view our gallery special 'Heath Ledger: In Pictures' click here.
