NEW YORK CITY, NY  --  28-year-old Australian actor Heath Ledger died of an accidental overdose of prescription drugs, the New York City medical examiner's office has ruled.

When the 28-year-old actor's body was found on January 22, police found six types of prescription drugs, including pills to treat anxiety and insomnia, in his downtown Manhattan appartment.

"Mr. Heath Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone (used in OxyContin painkillers,) hydrocodone (used in Vicodin painkillers,) diazepam (used in Valium painkillers,) temazepam (used in Restoril, a sleep aid,) alprazolam (used in Xanax, an anti-anxiety drug,) and doxylamine (used in NyQuil & Unisom-2, sleep aids)," medical examiner's spokeswoman Ellen Borakove said in a statement. The cocktail included a combination of anti-anxiety drugs and painkillers.

Ledger's father, Kim, released a statement saying that "today's results put an end to speculation." Since the actor's death, his family has denied rumors that his death was anything but accidental.

"While no medications were taken in excess, we learned today the combination of doctor-prescribed drugs proved lethal for our boy," Kim Ledger said. "Heath's accidental death serves as a caution to the hidden dangers of combining prescription medication, even at low dosage."

Ledger, 28, was found dead in his downtown Manhattan apartment Jan. 22 with bottles of prescription drugs nearby. "We have concluded that the manner of death is accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications," said the medical examiner.

Meanwhile, Ledger's former fiancée Michelle Williams has flown into Australia ahead of the actor's funeral in the western city of Perth. The Brokeback Mountain star's parents, sister and other family members have also arrived back home in Perth after attending two memorial services in the US.

Last update: 02-06-2008 15:21