Ledger's death ruled accidental says ME

February 7, 2008

The New York City Medical Examiner's office has ruled that Heath Ledger's death an accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications.

"We have concluded that the manner of death is accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications."

NEW YORK -- Heath Ledger's death has been ruled an accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications, the New York City Medical Examiner's office said.

The cause of the Australian actor's Jan. 22 death in Manhattan was announced Wednesday.

An initial autopsy conducted shortly after Ledger died proved inconclusive and the medical examiner waited for the results of toxicology tests before determining the cause of death.

A statement released by the office said Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam and doxylamine.

"We have concluded that the manner of death is accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications," the statement said.