Heath Ledger died on January 22, 2008, at the age of 28 due to an accidental overdose of prescription medications. The cause of death was acute intoxication from a combination of drugs including oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine. This combination of medications caused his brain and brain stem to effectively "fall asleep," stopping heart and lung function, leading to his death. He was found unresponsive in his New York apartment by his housekeeper and masseuse.
