After an initial autopsy proved inconclusive as to cause of death, toxicology tests released today revealed Heath Ledger died from "acute intoxication" due to prescription medications. The following statement was released from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in New York:
"Mr. Heath Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam and doxylamine. We have concluded that the manner of death is accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications."
- Oxycodone (Trade Names include OxyContin, OxyIR, OxyFast, in combination with aspirin as Percodan, in combination with acetaminophen as Percocet) – a narcotic pain reliever for treating moderate to severe pain.
- Hydrocodone (Trade Names include: Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet, Hycodan, Vicoprofen) – a cough suppressant and analgesic agent for the treatment of moderate to moderately severe pain. Hydrocodone is the most frequently prescribed opiate in the United States.
- Alprazolam (Brand Name: Xanax) – anti-anxiety
- Diazepam (Brand Name: Valium) – anti-anxiety
- Doxylamine (Brand Names include Medi-Sleep and Unisom) – an over-the-counter antihistamine that causes drowsiness; used as a sleep aid
- Lorazepam (Brand Name: Ativan) – anti-anxiety medication
- Temazepam (Brand Name: Restoril) – sleep aid
The news of Ledger’s accidental overdose from prescription drugs highlights the danger of mixing even small amount of medications.
Ledger's family released the following statement in response to the toxicology results:
We remain humble as parents and a family, among millions of people worldwide who may have suffered the tragic loss of a child. Few can understand the hollow, wrenching, and enduring agony parents silently suffer when a child predeceases them. Today's results put an end to speculation, but our son's beautiful spirit and enduring memory will forever remain in our hearts.
While no medications were taken in excess, we learned today the combination of doctor-prescribed drugs proved lethal for our boy. Heath's accidental death serves as a caution to the hidden dangers of combining prescription medication, even at low dosage.
Our family enjoyed an extremely happy two week visit with Heath just prior to the New Year. Those recent precious days will stay with us forever. We as a family feel privileged to have some of his amazing magic moments captured in film. To most of the world Heath was an actor of immeasurable talent and promise. To those who knew him personally, Heath was a consummate artist whose passions also included photography, music, chess and directing. We knew Heath as a loving father, as our devoted son, and as a loyal and generous brother and friend.
We treasure our beautiful granddaughter Matilda (to our dear Michelle) as well as an unbelievably wonderful network of close friends, forever, around the world. Families rarely experience the uplifting, warm and massive outpouring of grief and support as have we, from every corner of the planet. This has deeply and profoundly touched our hearts and lives. We are eternally grateful.
At this moment we respectfully request the worldwide media allow us time to grieve privately, without the intrusions associated with press and photography.
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