Australians mourn Heath Ledger

By Michael Perry

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Shocked Australians were on Wednesday mourning the death of actor Heath Ledger in a New York apartment possibly from a drug overdose, but his family said the death was a tragic accident.

Ledger, 28, the gifted leading man acclaimed for his role as a gay cowboy in the film "Brokeback Mountain", was found naked at the foot of the bed by his housekeeper in what police said was a possible drug overdose. An autopsy is to be conducted.

"We, Heath's family, can confirm the very tragic, untimely and accidental passing of our dearly loved son, brother and doting father of Matilda," his father Kim said, reading from a statement outside the family home in Perth, in Western Australia.

Ledger's mother Sally and sister Kate gathered with Kim Ledger at the family's suburban home and said they wanted to be left to grieve in private.

"We would like to thank our friends and everyone around the world for their well-wishes and kind thoughts at this time," Kim Ledger said.

"Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life that few had the pleasure of truly knowing him," he said.

People and neighbors left flowers and cards outside the house where Ledger spent much of December and January on holiday visiting friends.

"What a terrible tragedy. My heart goes out to his family," actress and fellow Australian Nicole Kidman said.

"I am so upset, I just can't tell you," said Margaret Pomeranz, one of Australia's top film critics.

"It's just such an incredible waste. I mean he is such a talented boy and ... a beautiful soul," she told local radio.

PILLS NEAR THE BED

The handsome star was reported last year to have broken up with his long-time companion, actress Michelle Williams, who played his wife in "Brokeback" and was the real-life mother of the actor's young daughter, Matilda.

Ledger was found face down at the foot of the bed at his apartment in New York's SoHo neighborhood, police spokesman Paul Browne said.

"We are investigating the possibility of an overdose...There were pills within the vicinity of the bed," Browne said, adding that the prescription medicine included sleeping pills.

The housekeeper found Ledger at 3:26 p.m. (2026 GMT), and tried to wake him for his appointment with a masseuse, who was also in the home, Browne said.