Heath Ledger’s Death: Outdated Will Excludes Daughter Matilda
Heath Ledger died on January 22, 2008, at age 28. His death stunned the film community and his fans worldwide.
Circumstances of the death
He was found unresponsive in his Manhattan apartment. A housekeeper discovered him around 12:30 p.m.
The housekeeper thought he was sleeping after replacing a light bulb. A massage therapist arrived near 3 p.m.
The therapist, Diana Wolozin, could not rouse him. She called emergency services and began CPR under dispatcher guidance.
Paramedics used a defibrillator at the scene. He was pronounced dead at 3:36 p.m.
Toxicology and medical findings
The New York medical examiner ruled the death accidental. The cause was acute intoxication from prescription drugs.
Toxicology detected anti-anxiety medications, sleeping aids, oxycodone and hydrocodone. Officials reported a combination effect.
Work and personal context
Ledger had been preparing his acclaimed portrayal of the Joker for The Dark Knight. He had recently moved to New York City.
He shared a daughter, Matilda, with ex-partner Michelle Williams. Matilda was two years old at the time.
Family members had expressed concern about his use of prescribed medications. His sister had urged him to reduce some drugs the night before.
Will and estate
Ledger’s last will dated from 2003. It was drawn up in Australia before Matilda’s birth.
The outdated will left his estate to his parents and three sisters. It made no provision for Michelle Williams or their daughter.
Documents showed his New York assets totaled less than $145,000. That figure included a Toyota Prius valued at about $25,000.
Several months after his death, the family gifted the entire estate to Matilda. In September 2008 his father confirmed that decision.
The situation highlighted how an outdated will excluded daughter Matilda initially, before the family acted.
Aftermath and family updates
Ledger’s family said they remained close to Michelle and Matilda. They described the transfer as planned from the start.
Michelle Williams later married theater director Thomas Kail. They have a son, Hart, born in 2020, and another child born in 2022.
This account is presented by Filmogaz.com and summarizes reported facts surrounding Ledger’s death and estate.
