The actor’s remains transported from the New York funeral home are reportedly en route to Ledger’s native Australia

By Stacey Silberman

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 1/25/08 – Heath Ledger, 28, was remembered fondly and lovingly by family, friends and fans today after a viewing at the Frank E. Campbell Funeral Home in New York City. After the viewing, just before 4 p.m., the actor’s remains were carried out in a light colored wooden box for transport to the young Ledger’s native Australia.

The box was transported via Cadillac hearse to an undisclosed local airport. N.Y. police assisted with security to protect the family’s privacy during this tragic time.

Ledger’s mother Sally, father Kim and sister Kate placed a family memorial message for Heath in the West Australian’s Friday, January 25^th newspaper that read:

“You dreamed your dreams and lived them with passion and intelligent commitment. We have been privileged to accompany you on a ride through life that has simply been amazing and through it all, we have loved each other beyond imagination.”

Mary-Kate Olsen, 21, who was called several times by masseuse Diana Wolozin following her discovery of Ledger’s lifeless body, made a statement through her publicist about her friend’s untimely passing saying, “Heath was a friend. His death is a tragic loss. My thoughts are with his family during this very difficult time.”

Unlicensed 40-year-old masseuse Wolozin was reported to have used Ledger’s cell phone, which was near his body, to call Olsen on speed dial because the two knew each other and Wolozin knew the two were friends of late. Following Wolozin’s pleas for help from Olsen she called 911 and then unsuccessfully tried to resuscitate Ledger, but to no avail, per an AP report.

Paramedics arrived and eventually called the actor’s death at 3:36 p.m. on January 22.

Ledger leaves behind his precious two-year-old daughter Matilda, along with her mother actress Michelle Williams, family, friends, worldwide fans and the Hollywood community.