Ledger family reacts to cause of death

PERTH, Australia, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Heath Ledger's father Kim said he hopes the Australian film star's untimely death will serve as a warning about the dangers of mixing prescription drugs.

The New York City Medical Examiner's Office Wednesday announced the 28-year-old actor's death was an accident due to "acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam and doxylamine."

In a statement issued to People.com, Ledger's father said: "Today's results put an end to speculation, but our son's beautiful spirit and enduring memory will forever remain in our hearts.

"While no medications were taken in excess, we learned today the combination of doctor-prescribed drugs proved lethal for our boy," the statement continued. "Heath's accidental death serves as a caution to the hidden dangers of combining prescription medication, even at low dosage."

Kim Ledger's remarks also offered a glimpse into the pain the family has been enduring since Heath died in Manhattan Jan. 22.

"We remain humble as parents and a family, among millions of people worldwide who may have suffered the tragic loss of a child," Kim Ledger said. "Few can understand the hollow, wrenching, and enduring agony parents silently suffer when a child predeceases them."