Australian actor Heath Ledger died in his New York apartment yesterday afternoon – he was only 28 years old.

This is an excerpt of the statement Heath’s family made regarding his death:

“We confirm the very tragic, untimely and accidental passing of our dearly loved son, brother and doting father of Matilda, who was found in a peaceful sleep in his New York apartment by his housekeeper at 3:30pm.”

According to news reports, Ledger was found laying face down at the foot of his bed, naked. If you suddenly collapse on your face, and die naked on the floor, that doesn’t exactly sound like a peaceful sleep.

Ledger was known to have been suffering from pneumonia at the time, but sleeping pills and prescription pills were both found on the scene. I heard an early synopsis that Ledger may have overdosed on Ambien, the wonderful sleeping medication, but I can’t confirm that at this time.

Ledger was most notably known for his role as a gay cowboy, cast opposite of Jake Gyllenhaal in Brokeback Mountain. My respect for Heath Ledger increased tenfold as I watched him spit on his own hand for lube and give Gyllenhaal the pounding of a lifetime.

Rent Brokeback Mountain and watch it with your whole family. Play the sex scenes in slow motion too.

Whether he overdosed or just collapsed naked in the floor, Heath Ledger was a fine actor. I didn’t like A Knight’s Tale or 10 Things I Hate About You, but dammit, Brokeback was a fine film and I can say that with heterosexual confidence. You will be missed Mr. Ledger.