Ledger's family speaks out about his death

PERTH , Australia, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- The family of Australian film star Heath Ledger, who died unexpectedly in New York Tuesday, have thanked well-wishers and asked for privacy as they mourn.

The actor's father Kim appeared alongside Heath's sister, Katie, and mother Sally Ledger-Bell outside Ledger-Bell's house in Western Australia, and read a brief statement, PerthNow reported.

"We, Heath's family, confirm the very tragic, untimely and accidental passing of our dearly loved son, brother and doting father of Matilda, who was found in a peaceful sleep in his New York apartment," Kim Ledger said.

"We would like to thank our friends and everyone around the world for their kind wishes," he continued. "Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life, but few had the pleasure to truly know him. He was a down-to-earth, generous, kind-hearted, life-loving and unselfish individual who was an extreme inspiration to many. Please now respect our family's need to grieve and come to terms with our loss privately."

The cause of Ledger's death wasn't immediately known, although police said they didn't expect foul play and found "prescription-type" drugs near Ledger's body.

TMZ.com also reported Ledger was suffering from pneumonia when he died.

An autopsy is planned for Wednesday.