Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Heath Ledger found dead in NYC Apartment
()
Outside the scene of Heath Ledger's death in NYC | Photo by Tien Mao, Gothamist.com
()
Gothamist, parent site to LAist,is reporting the death of Heath Ledger. "Actor Heath Ledger was found dead in downtown Manhattan apartment by the police. Some reports say he died from an overdose." Ledger lived on Broome street.
Support for LAist comes from
Ledger was a rising star and actor from Australia, known for his work in Brokeback Mountain, which earned him a best actor Oscar nomination. Ledger is cast as The Joker in the next Batman Movie -- The Dark Knight -- which is scheduled for a July 18th, 2008 theatrical release
At 3:31 p.m., a masseuse arrived at Apartment 5A in the building for an appointment with Mr. Ledger, the police said. The masseuse was let in to the home by a housekeeper, who then knocked on the door of Mr. Ledger’s bedroom. When no one answered, the housekeeper and the masseuse opened the bedroom and found Mr. Ledger unconscious. They shook him, but he did not respond. They immediately called the authorities. The police said they did not suspect foul play and said they found pills near the body. [City Room]
Ledger leaves behind his two-year-old daughter Matilda behind, who he had with his ex, Brokeback Mountain co-star, Michelle Williams.
UPDATE: Gothamist is at the scene in NYC: "We went to the apartment building and there's a bunch of media on the scene, the police are in front. TMZ is already there-- all the local news channels. It's a five story building, third lot in from the corner, the lights on the second floor. No one has mentioned if the body has been taken out yet (no ambulance in sight). Police are trying to clear the scene, but the media is canvassing the street. The detective says no one is coming out soon."
UPDATE: Gothamist says... "The Times is saying the fifth floor apartment is owned by Mary-Kate Olsen. A commenter suggests this Corcoran listing (a rental for $23,000/month) is the apartment."
For continuing updates, head to Gothamist. Batman preview after the jump.
Additional research by LAist News Editor, Andy Sternberg
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons Thursday after suddenly shutting down six months ago. -
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
-
Censorship has long been controversial. But lately, the issue of who does and doesn’t have the right to restrict kids’ access to books has been heating up across the country in the so-called culture wars.
-
With less to prove than LA, the city is becoming a center of impressive culinary creativity.
-
Nearly 470 sections of guardrailing were stolen in the last fiscal year in L.A. and Ventura counties.
Best of LAist