Heath Ledger Funeral Set for NYC, Death Still a Mystery
Ledger’s family makes sad sojourn to New York for their loved one’s funeral
By Stacey Silberman
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 1/24/08 – Actor, father, friend, brother and son Heath Ledger, is to have a New York funeral through the Frank E. Campbell funeral home, while Ledger’s bereaved family arrives from Perth, Australia to be by their son’s side and say good bye for the last time.
Ledger was found dead in his rented Soho apartment Tuesday afternoon by his masseuse and declared dead at 3:36 p.m. after paramedics tried to revive him. He was later taken to the morgue for autopsy, which is inconclusive at this time and requires further toxicology and tissue testing before cause of death can be determined.
General manager of Campbell’s George Amado said Thursday to the Associated Press, “The family doesn’t want us to give out any information.” Especially since Ledger found the media to be such a nuisance in his own life and had reportedly caused him some anxiety.
Not surprising as one anti-Gay church is on the lookout for the location so it can demonstrate at the proceedings.
Most of Ledger’s family first heard the news of their son and nephew’s death from the press.
Ledger has an uncle named Neil Bell who lives in California. Bell spoke to People and gave some grave details of Ledger’s death. “I heard about his death in the press, and I called his mother to find out what was happening, and even she didn’t know.” He added, “Heath’s father found out through the press…It’s a pretty devastating way to find out.”
Ledger’s immediate family still resides in Perth, where Ledger recently visited for the holidays, enjoying a little anonymity due to the lack of media presence, in and around his beloved hometown.
Ledger had actually written a thank you letter to the Australian media for leaving him alone while home for the holidays.
Perhaps two-year-old granddaughter Matilda will give Heath’s parents something to smile about as they bury their beloved 28-year-old son. Ex-fiance’ Michelle Williams, mother of Matilda, is also said to be devastated by the death. The couple met on set during the critically acclaimed film “Brokeback Mountain,” where the two acted as husband and wife.