Ledger laid to rest in Australia

PERTH, Australia, Feb. 9 (UPI) -- Friends and family of Heath Ledger were on hand Saturday in the Australian city of Perth for the late film actor's funeral.

The Melbourne Sun-Herald reported in its Sunday edition that among the approximately 600 mourners at the somber event was the 28-year-old actor's former fiancee, actress Michelle Williams, and his sister, Kate.

Williams, who co-starred with Ledger in the film "Brokeback Mountain," had a 2-year-old daughter, Matilda, with him during their relationship.

Ledger died Jan. 22 after being found in his New York apartment. His death was ruled an accidental overdose of prescription medication.

The Daily Telegraph reported that before the funeral took place, Ledger's father offered an impassioned plea to the media to respect the solemn nature of the service.

"It's a pretty sad time and we are finding it difficult to cope by ourselves, let alone cope with everybody around the world," Kim Ledger said.