The Tragic Death Of Heath Ledger & Those He Left Behind

How come you guys didn't mention his death on the show last night??? I tuned in just to see what you all had to say about it and it he wasn’t even mentioned... How can you keep us informed if you miss a story like that.

I know you have to report on this tragic story. I know people want to hear about what happened... But I think it is in poor taste and paparazzi like journalism to repeatedly show the body of Heath Ledger being put in the coroners vehicle. I think it is very disrespectful to his family and friends to keep putting that image on the television over and over again. I believe there is a better way to report on this story by showing images of him alive, and smiling..that is a better way of paying tribute to him.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially, his daughter during this tragedy. I know I would not want a family member of mine being shown on television in a body bag.

What a crummy rag you represent. It's 7:00pm where I live and just finished watching your misrepresenting show. Your breaking news was that a 20.00 bill had been found with "drug residue" on it. That bit of rag news was found to be incorrect at around 3:00pm. Boy you guys are right on top of things as usual. What a huge disservice you have done to the rest of his family and himself. Get a life or learn how to do your job, you're no better than an uninformed gossipper. You make me want to vomit. Michael in Park City, Utah

Hannah, you may have missed some of the show. AH did do a bit at the beginning of the show last night. I think we have to remember that shows, at least AH that I know of, tapes earlier in the day. This event happened later in the afternoon and likely after normal taping. I don't know for fact, but I am pretty sure Billy and Nancy likely came back and did some additional taping after this happened.

I'm 14 and Heath Ledger was( and still is) my role model. I was absolutely dumbfounded when I heard the tragic news. I think that one of the reasons I look up to him so much is that he was just a normal guy who proved that no matter who you are, you can still achieve your dreams. Even though he is no longer with us, Heath Ledger will always be my role model. I keep a special place in my heart for him and I hope that the world will always remember the wonderful Heath Ledger.

He had a child. For you guys to suggest it was suicide is abominable. No way he would have taken his life on purpose. I have insomnia also, and sleeping pills just don't work! You have to take more and more, to the point it's ridiculous! And having an anxiety problem doesn't help at all either. Even with taking too many sleeping pills, if I get 3 hrs. sleep a night, I feel lucky. With his exhaustion, no wonder he took too many accidentally, and that's the imperative word. He would NEVER have purposely done it what with his beautiful little daughter! That would be selfish, and that's not something any loving parent would do, especially him! And as far as drugs found on the $20 bill, EVERYONE in Hollywood does drugs at some time. So stop judging. This was tragic, but a truly tragic accident. It's a slap in the face to his loving family and devoted friends to even hint at suicide, as you guys did (Nancy?). Shame on you.

It is such a shame when one turns on the TV only to come across a hastily-assembled panel of irresponsible individuals parading themselves as "responsible journalists" engaged in a conversation that is seemingly and painfully disrespectful to the deceased young man as well as his family & friends. A panel of “self-labeled" experts making insinuations about his alcoholic and substance abuse problems, making judgments and conclusions based on the young man's demeanor and attitude during interviews, regretfully the Networks only care about making headlines and money and a name in the business so they just run "updates" and then proceed to make analyses on the character of an Individual; a father, a son, a brother, a friend whom they had no PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH. Yes, Heath hated the constant barrage of personal and invasive questions that some of these reporters/paparazzi/interviewers ask during sit-downs or even as they accost the celebs on the street. WHY is it so hard to accept that some celebrities are only in the business because of their love for the craft AND NOT the FAME that comes along with it? Review the roles this young man chose, serious method-acting, he could have pursued heartthrob/comedic roles but he chose to improve himself and hone his skills as an actor. Doesn't that alone say a whole lot about who he was as an Actor and much for although subtly as an Individual? All these news outlets/paparazzi/gossip blogs should have some sense of decency and respect at least for the young man who lost his life and have some sympathy for his family and friends AND STOP WITH THE IRRESPONSIBLE AND DISRESPECTFUL JOURNALISM. Stop making assumptions as to what killed Heath without the facts and please stop interviewing "people" who obviously are only taking advantage of being on-air, if you did not know him personally, keep your unwanted, thoughtless and heartless comments to yourself. So far the dollar bill came back negative, the pills were not "strewn about" but were all in the original prescribed bottles in the apartment, I won't even touch on the hint at suicide because it is just plain disrespectful, I do not care if all you have is to announce his death and thereafter celebrate his life, don't air anything you CANNOT VERIFY WITHOUT A DOUBT. Shame on all the news outlets and JOURNALISTS! What makes you think you can judge; is it because you have the power of the airwaves? SHAMEFUL! Show some RESPECT for the deceased and his family/friends.

i still cant believe heath ledger died! its such a tragic! if only people who died could come back=[ im relle going to miss him and his acting. he was a great actor!! i heard the news probably in the simplest way then finding it out on tv. im 14 and i was on the computer and on AIM talking to my friend. all of a sudden she tells me "OMG! heath ledger died!" when she told me this i couldnt believe it! i kinda thought she was lying. but my friend talked about all night and we were watching the news. when i was watching the news my head was spinning i still couldnt believe a great man like him could die especially still at a very young age. my friend and i cried that night. my sister is the same age as him and i would die if anything had ever happened to her. cause shes a great sister and shes always there for me! and heath ledger was there for everybody!! and a great role model for all! i hope his family and friends stay strong and i wish them the best.
i feel bad for matilda because shes only 2 years old! and she wont grow up to see who her dad really was and how great a father he couldve been for her when she got older. heath ledger will be missed and never forgotten<333

Like I said before, I hope that the world will remember the wonderful Heath Ledger. It is quite disrespectful to keep showing him in a body bag. We can complain about it all we want, but that won't change the fact that Heath Ledger is gone. That's what I don't get about adults, they just complain when it won't change anything. Heath Ledger will always be my role model. My heart goes out to Michelle, Heath's family, his friends, and especially Matilda. Rest in peace Heath, we will always remember you and you will always be in our hearts.

Your misinformation concerning rolled up 20.00 dollar bill with drug residue and drugs strewn all over the place was wrong. don't you check your sources or reporting the wrong information is ok with you. Where is the corecction about what you reported. you sink yourself lower than roach dung.

What no remorse for your misinformation that you reported last night. Your as good as the world weekly news. at least mention a correction or are sources were not what they appeared to be. Unreliable. fess up. at least admit your mistake and acknowledge it and apolize. you people have no heart for his family and friends. i have lost faith in any reporting you do concerning a major story like this. Just get your facts staight before reporting them. i'm waiting!!!!

I would like to let you know that I used to be a regular viewer of your show. However, after your irresponsible and crass coverage of Heath Ledger's death, I will no longer be watching. I seriously question your sincerity about your concern for his daughter and family when you continually show his body being put into the coroner's van. Heath Ledger was not the typical celebrity who enjoyed the spotlight. He was an actor that was perfecting his craft and not interested in the fame aspect. How about you demonstrate some real compassion and let the family mourne in private?

I still cannot believe that Heath Ledger has passed away. When I first heard that he passed away I felt a tremendous amount of pain. He was and always will be a great and talented actor. I feel very sad and heartbroken thinking that lil Matilda will not have her father. It hurts to think that she will question where her father is and wonder why she will never see him again. I think what hurts most is that Heath will not be there to see her grow up or walk her down the isle when she gets married. It hurts alot for people to even speculate that he commited suicide. You could tell in pictures that he loved his daughter very much. So why would he want to take his life. I too have to say that it is disrespectful to keep seeing his body being put in the coroners car as well as seeing his body leave the funeral home. I don't think that Heath would have liked all of that attention. That is just my opinion. It also makes me feel disgusted when people made fun of him when he died on other blogs such as America Online, did anyone ever teach them that if they do not have anything nice to say then to not say anything at all. The radio show that is so homophobic and made fun at Heath Ledger's death by playing the scene in Brokeback Mountain when Heath's character Ennis said " I wish I know how to quit you" the radio host said well apperantly you just did. How disrespectful. Grow up. To the radio talk show it is people like you that make it a miserable place for others. Heath was and always will be a great actor. I will truly miss him and his work. I cannot wait to see him play the Joker. If you can read this Heath, I am very upset that you are gone and I will truly miss you. I would give up all of my materialistic things in order to have you back on this world. Or if only I had the power to go back to that day and change everything I would. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent with us. I know that you are watching over your daughter Matilda and that you are her Guardian Angel now. My thoughts and prayers are with your daughter Matilda, Michelle and your family. With much love and respect Heath, May you Rest In Peace. <3

Hi,

Just a little comment on the passing of a tremendously gifted and inspiring actor, Heath Ledger. This is a time of great loss, as we have lost one of the finest actors ever to hit the big screen. I think the idea of surfacing stories about his past drug issues and his personal life with Michelle Williams should not even be a factor in trying to define who he was. The idea of having these stories fluctuate across the media is a tragedy, as I feel people need a reason to create attention surrounding something so sad. The issue is our loss (family and fans) of someone who will be remebered for his talent. That is the story! He entertained and was wonderful at it! I say let him be and be respectful to his family and friends...let the man be remembered as he should be remembered, with dignity and respect! He gave his all to entertain us, let us at least reward his efforts by giving him, his family, and his friends the space they need to cope with this great loss. The hurtful stories do not take away the pain, but enhance it..it is unfair! People should be ashamed of themselves!

Thank You, Lisa ( a great fan)

I am completely sickened at the idea of anyone buying John-Bruce Shoemaker story who I read sold his story to a magazine and anyone who bought the video should be ashamed of themselves let his family grieve so thank you billy and I hope you refuse to have anything to do with those awful stories it's sad to think that people were waiting for his passing to sell footage perhaps if that would have been released a long time ago he would have gotten help or maybe he did get help it's none of my business well I hope those people are happy I'm sure all the info is worth more now that he's gone but I lost respect for a alot of media folks who claim to have known the video existed there are no morals

I am so glad you posted your views on Entertainment Tonight's disgusting conduct in airing footage of the Heath Leader drug video. The poor Ledger family hasn't even buried their son yet! I was so outraged I attempted to email ET and they have no contact information on their website. I commend Access Hollywood for maintaining a sense of integrity in the world of celebrity news and I vow to NEVER watch ET again. Mary Hart has sold out. I see no difference between her and all the celebrity paparazzi. Thank you for your honesty and integrity Billy Bush.

Thank you so much for your sensitive and wise observations over the past days about Heath Ledger, his family, his history, and his work. If I were a member of his family I would be consoled by your integrity in handling this tragic event in the media. Please know that in my own grief in his passing I am comforted and encouraged by what you have said. I wish there were many more like you in your profession. I also hope that the actions of his publicist and friends on his behalf will signal a bold and kind revolution in the entertainment industry. Their actions are nothing short of revolutionary, as are yours. Thanks so much.

I just want to say that it is so refreshing to see someone that is not wanting to exploit a tragedy. Billy Bush has set a standard for all entertainment reporters and I hope that in the wake of this tragedy, they will rise to the occasion and follow Billy's lead. Heath's daughter is the most important thing right now and every single word that is said will have an impact on her when she is old enough to understand. I enjoy hearing about the celebrities like most people, but I share the grief that most people are feeling over his death and I do not want to see his family hurt even more because these reporters are trying to get "the story" Leave them alone and quit speculating on his past. Celebrate the joy and achievements that he brought to us in his short time on earth.

Don't think about this too long...

RECEIVED FROM Maj.Gene Duncan. Thanks Gene.

Posted by: mcq on Wednesday, January 23, 2008

I want to preface this by saying I don't have a thing against Heath Ledger. In fact, until yesterday, I didn't even know who he was. I'm not a movie buff and don't spend much time watching them.

But today at lunch, I happened to be in a restaurant in which a news program was running on one of the TVs. And, of course, his story came up. The coverage was extensive, interviews with fellow actors were conducted, his dad spoke, and everyone was obviously saddened by his loss.

I guess the irony came as I happened to look away from the TV and onto the page of the USA Today I was reading. Page 8A. A small box in the middle of the page which held 4 names. Names of troops killed in Iraq. One name caught my eye. SSG Justin R. Whiting, 27, of Hancock, NY.

The reason his name caught my eye initially was his age. He was a year younger than Heath Ledger. I read the short description in the box for Justin Whiting.

"died Saturday in Mosul from wounds suffered when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device; 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)."

That's it. That's all. Page 1D and 4D in the paper were all about Heath Ledger. Whiting got a sentence.

But that sentence said a lot about Justin Whiting. A 27 year old SSG, he was one sharp soldier. That's a fairly young age to make that rank. And, of course he was a paratrooper. In fact, I'd bet my bottom dollar he had served with either the 82nd Airborne Division or the 173rd Airborne Brigade - or both.

And he was Special Forces. He had earned and wore the coveted green beret. He was quite a young man and I know all of that from that one simple sentence, because I know what it took to be where he was, wearing the rank and beret he wore at his age.

I don't begrudge Heath Ledger his fame. I'm sure he was a fine actor. I certainly am sorry about his death. But I often think back to what Henry Fonda is credited with saying about being honored for his acting. He said he was surprised by all the hoopla because, in reality, all he did was pretend to be someone else who had actually done something. Perhaps if Ledger had lived he might have found his greatest role playing Jason Whiting in some future movie.