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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Accidental OD Killed Ledger

Autopsy results cite combo of sleeping pills, painkillers, and anti-anxiety meds

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(Newser) – Actor Heath Ledger died of an accidental overdose of sleeping pills, painkillers, and anti-anxiety medication, the New York City Medical Examiner's Office ruled today. OxyContin, Valium, Xanax, Restoril, Unisom, and ibuprofen combined to result in a lethal "acute intoxication," an ME spokeswoman told the AP. 

The drugs were found in the 28-year-old actor's SoHo apartment when he died Jan. 22. Initial autopsy results proved inconclusive. Ledger's father, Kim, said today: "While no medications were taken in excess, the combination of doctor-prescribed drugs proved lethal for our boy. Heath's accidental death serves as a caution to the hidden dangers of combining prescription medication."

Heath Ledger, right, and Michelle Williams arrive for the Australian premier of the movie
Heath Ledger, right, and Michelle Williams arrive for the Australian premier of the movie "Brokeback Mountain" in Melbourne, Australia, in this Tuesday Jan. 10, 2006 file photo. (AP Photo/Steve Holland,...   (Associated Press)
The body of Heath Ledger is driven away from the Frank E. Campbell funeral home in a hearse in New York, Friday, Jan 25, 2008. Ledger, 28, died at his Manhattan apartment on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rick Maiman)
The body of Heath Ledger is driven away from the Frank E. Campbell funeral home in a hearse in New York, Friday, Jan 25, 2008. Ledger, 28, died at his Manhattan apartment on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rick Maiman)   (Associated Press)
This image provided by Focus Features shows actor Heath Ledger portraying the character Ennis Del Mar in the movie
This image provided by Focus Features shows actor Heath Ledger portraying the character Ennis Del Mar in the movie "Brokeback Mountain." The NYC medical examiner reports that Ledger died as the result...   (Associated Press)
Actor Heath Ledger attends a special Cinema Society and Hogan hosted screening of
Actor Heath Ledger attends a special Cinema Society and Hogan hosted screening of "I'm Not There" at the Chelsea West Cinemas, in this Nov. 13, 2007, file photo in New York. The NYC medical examiner reports...   (Associated Press)
Kim Ledger, background second from left, father of late Australian actor Heath Ledger along with other family members arrives at the airport of their hometown in Perth, Australia, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008. Heath Ledger's family arrived back in Australia on Tuesday and started the final leg of the late star's...
Kim Ledger, background second from left, father of late Australian actor Heath Ledger along with other family members arrives at the airport of their hometown in Perth, Australia, Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008....   (Associated Press)
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