NEW YORK CITY, NY  --  Hollywood star Heath Ledger, who is best known for his role as Ennis in the gay mega-hit Brokeback Mountain, was found dead in his apartment in New York Tuesday. Ledger was 28.

Ledger was originally from Australia but played in a number of Hollywood movies such as "Brokeback Mountain", "The Brothers Grimm", and "A Knights Tale". He was also playing the role of the Joker in the upoming Batman movie.

According to the New York Times, Ledger was found naked and unconscious with pills strewn all around him in his apartment in New York.

NYPD spokesman Paul Browne said Ledger had an appointment for a massage at the apartment. The housekeeper, who went to let Ledger know the masseuse was there, found him unconscious at approximately 3:30 p.m. ET, according to the New York Times. After receiving no response from the actor after shaking him, they called authorities.

"We are investigating the possibility of an overdose," Browne said. "There were pills within the vicinity of the bed." Police later said they found no signs pointing towards suicide.

Ledger's publicist, Mara Buxbaum, issued a statement this Tuesday night, saying, "We are all deeply saddened and shocked by this accident. This is an extremely difficult time for his loved ones and we are asking the media to please respect the family's privacy."

Heath Ledger's dad, Kim, issued the following statement Wednesday:

"We, Heath's family, confirm, the very tragic, untimely and accidental passing of our dearly loved son, brother and doting father of Matilda. He was found peacefully asleep in his New York apartment by his housekeeper at 3:30 p.m. U.S. time.

"We would like to thank our friends and everyone around the world for their well wishes and kind thoughts at this time. Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life but few had the pleasure of truly knowing him.

"He was a down to earth, generous, kind-hearted, life-loving and selfless individual who was extremely inspirational to many. Please now respect our family's need to grieve and come to terms with our loss privately."

An autopsy was planned for Wednesday, medical examiner's office spokeswoman Ellen Borakove said.

Ledger was nominated for an Oscar for "Brokeback Mountain," where he met actress Michelle Williams, in 2005. Ledger and Williams had lived in Brooklyn with their 2-year-old daughter, Matilda, until they split up last year.

Last update: 01-23-2008 10:07