Brokeback Mountain star found dead in New York City

While everyone was ecstatic and celebrating for the Oscar 2008 nominations, it was so unexpected to hear the news of the sudden death of Australian Hollywood actor Heath Ledger, an Oscar 2006 nominee for Best Actor in the memorable film Brokeback Mountain.

No one, for sure, would forget his lovable role in the film which catapulated him to stardom along with co-actor Jake Gyllenhaal.

I myself am completely shocked with the tragic news especially that I have loved him first in the movie A Knight's Tale before everyone did in Brokeback Mountain.

Heath at 28 was found bare and dead by his Filipina maid Teresa Cariño Solomon and massage therapist Diana Wolozin at his SoHo apartment/residence in New York City at around 3:30 PM Tuesday, January 22, 2008.

According to the intial investigation, drug (accidental) overdose might be the cause of his unexpected death especially when the police found sleeping pills at the table near his bed, where he was found lifeless.

Heath had a 2-year old daughter to Michelle Williams (Brokeback Mountain, Dawson's Creek), but they already split August of 2007.

The actor has recently appeared in the award-winning 2007 movie I'm Not There, with Cate Blanchett, who has just been nominated as Best Supporting Actress in the 2008 Academy Awards (Oscars).

He has finished filming as Joker in the much-anticipated 2008 movie The Dark Knight opposite Christian Bale, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Morgan Freeman.

Aside from The Dark Knight, Heath was also filming for the movie The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus and set to star in Tree of Life.

Heath Ledger will forever be remembered.

More photos of Heath Ledger:

Heath Ledger with Jake Gyllenhaal in Brokeback Mountain.