NEW YORK CITY, NY  --  A preliminary autopsy on 28-year-old Australian actor Heath Ledger, who was found dead in his New York apartment yesterday, was inconclusive, the medical examiner's office said Wednesday.

"It will take about 10 days to complete the investigation," said Ellen Borakove, a spokeswoman for the office.

A makeshift memorial of flowers and candles grew Wednesday outside the apartment building of Heath Ledger, AP reports.

Director Ang Lee, who won an Oscar for "Brokeback Mountain," called Ledger's death a "heartbreaking" ending to a superb acting career and life.

"Working with Heath was one of the purest joys of my life," said Lee.

"He brought to the role of Ennis more than any of us could have imagined — a thirst for life, for love and for truth, and a vulnerability that made everyone who knew him love him. His death is heartbreaking."

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 13:00