New York Police reported that actor Heath Ledger was discovered dead at an apartment in Manhattan after a possible drug overdose.
Ledger, 28, was found by his housekeeper at 3:35 p.m. ET Tuesday.
At 3:31 p.m., a masseuse arrived at Apartment 5A in the building for an appointment with Mr. Ledger, the police said. The housekeeper let the masseuse in and then knocked on Mr. Ledger's bedroom. When he didn't answer, the housekeeper opened the door and found Mr. Ledger unconscious. They reportedly told police that they shook him, but he did not respond. Then they called for help.
The police said pills were found near the body. Officials said Mr. Ledger was found face-down on the floor and pills were strewn on the bed.
"Pills were found in the vicinity of the bed," police spokesman Paul Browne said. "This is being looked at as a possible overdose, but that is not confirmed yet."
Police said they believe the pills "appear to be over the counter" sleeping medication.
The apartment is owned by the actress Mary-Kate Olsen, The New York Times reported.
A large crowd of paparazzi and gawkers began gathering Tuesday evening outside the building in SoHo, where police officers guarded the door while waiting for the Medical Examiner. An autopsy will be performed tomorrow.
Ledger received an Academy Award nomination for his role in "Brokeback Mountain" and was set to play the Joker in the upcoming Batman film "The Dark Knight."
Ledger leaves behind a two-year-old daughter with former fiancee Michelle Williams.
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