Ledger Autopsy Inconclusive

Coroner needs 10 days, further tests; actor's roles took toll, caused insomnia
By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 23, 2008 9:56 AM CST
Ledger Autopsy Inconclusive
The building where body of actor Heath Ledger, 28 was found dead in his apartment in the Soho section of downtown New York Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008 (AP Photo/David Karp)   (Associated Press)

An autopsy on actor Heath Ledger was inconclusive, the AP reports, and a medical examiner's office spokeswoman says that further needed tests will take about 10 days. Meanwhile, Ledger's family echoed earlier police statements that the actor had not committed suicide—rather, his death was “tragic, untimely, and accidental," his father said.

Ledger, found dead in his apartment yesterday with sleeping pills nearby, had said in November that his role as the Joker in an upcoming Batman movie had taken a toll. "Last week I probably slept an average of two hours a night. My body was exhausted, and my mind was still going." He added that prescription sleeping pills weren't helping. (More Heath Ledger stories.)

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