Ledger Death due to Accidental Overdose

Heath Ledger died from an accidental overdose on prescription drugs. The NYC medical examiner's office announced that a series of drugs, including painkillers, sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medication were found in Heath's body. The examiner's office stated, "Mr. Heath Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine".

Here's a description of each of the drugs found in Heath's body:

• Oxycodone -- narcotic/painkiller; trade names: OxyContin, Percodan


• Hydrocodone -- narcotic/painkiller; trade name (combined with acetaminophen): Vicodin


• Diazepam -- anti-anxiety drug; trade name: Valium


• Alprazolam -- anti-anxiety drug; trade name: Xanax


• Doxylamine -- sleep medication; trade name: Unisom


• Temazepam -- sleep medication; trade name: Restoril

According to CNN, the combination of these drugs could potentially cause the brain and brain stem to fall asleep, halting heart and lung function.

Heath's family had firmly maintained that his death was accidental - they knew their son would not have wanted to leave his life, especially his beloved 2-year old daughter, Matilda.

It was already a sad day when we learned of Ledger's death - and to know that he did not want to die makes it all the more poignant.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/Movies/02/06/heath.ledger/index.html

http://kerijam.blogspot.com/2008/02/quote-michelle-williams-on-heath.html

http://kerijam.blogspot.com/2008/01/heath-impacts-bush.html

http://kerijam.blogspot.com/2008/01/moment-of-silence-heath-ledger-is-dead.html