Ledger’s family pays tribute to ‘old soul’

updated 11:14 a.m. ET Jan. 25, 2008

SYDNEY, Australia - Heath Ledger’s family remembered the actor as “the most amazing old soul in a young man’s body.” In a separate tribute, his sister said she could hardly breathe as she tried to write about “my little brother.”

“As a close knit and very private family we have observed you so determined yet quietly travelling in your self-styled path in life, nothing would get in your way ... no mountain too tall, no river too wide,” the family said in a death notice published Friday in The West Australian.

“You dreamed your dreams and lived them with passion and intelligent commitment. We have been privileged to accompany you on a ride through life that has simply been amazing and through it all we have loved each other beyond imagination,” the notice added. “Our hearts are broken.”

In a separate notice, Ledger’s father Kim wrote: “Heatho, Beef ... my beautiful boy, so loving, so talented, so independent ... so no more chess games mate ... this is it, couldn’t beat you anyway.

“We were one, in soul and commitment, just ... father and son.”

The actor’s sister, Kate, said she could “hardly breathe” as she tried to write her tribute.

“We were the ultimate soul mates,” she said.

“You were so many things to so many people, but to me you were just my little brother. You will never leave my thoughts, ’Roast’, ever.”

Death of Heath Ledger Heath Ledger’s cause of death Feb. 7: New York’s medical examiner revealed that the actor died from an accidental overdose of prescription medications. WNBC’s Jonathan Dienst reports. Ledger autopsy results released Ledger OD’d on Rx drugs Fallout over Ledger video Calls to Olsen in Ledger death

Ledger’s mother, Sally Ledger-Bell, said the family would always be there for his 2-year-old daughter, Matilda, whose mother, actress Michelle Williams, was separated from the actor.

The newspaper said the notice had been posted by Ledger’s family, who were flying to the U.S. from Australia and could not be reached for comment.

The 28-year-old actor was found dead in his New York apartment Tuesday, where police also found several bottles of prescription drugs. Authorities suspect a possible overdose, but toxicology tests have not yet determined the exact cause of death.

The actor’s body was taken to the Frank E. Campbell funeral home in New York for a private viewing. Neither Ledger’s family nor his U.S.-based publicist, Mara Buxbaum, have confirmed any details about the funeral or burial arrangements.

The West Australian said Ledger would likely be buried in his hometown in western Australia of Perth after a star-studded funeral service in Los Angeles.

Australian model Sophie Ward, whose sister reportedly had a brief romantic relationship with Ledger last year, said she was planning to fly to the United States for his funeral.

“I think we’re going to L.A.,” Ward told the newspaper. “This is just a funeral service. He’ll probably be buried in Perth.”

Ward, 22, is the older sister of Australian-born supermodel Gemma Ward.

“My sister will probably make a comment at the funeral,” Ward was quoted as saying. “Heath was an amazing actor and person and she is very upset. She has lost a very good friend.”

Sophie Ward also told the newspaper that Ledger had been “a bit edgy” over his recent split with Williams.

“He was clean and wasn’t drinking any alcohol or taking drugs,” Ward said. “He smoked cigarettes, but that’s about it. He was drinking diet Coke when we were together and he said he was very committed to not drinking alcohol. I don’t believe he took his own life deliberately.”

MORE FROM CELEBRITIES

Celebrities Section Front

Don't fall for reports of Tom Cruise's death Actress, singer Edie Adams dies at 81 Britney Spears' license trial begins Madonna and Guy Ritchie to divorce Sex addict Duchovny separates from wife Ryan O’Neal charged with meth possession ‘Housewives’ actor in critical condition Brad Paisley and wife expecting second child Gary Coleman pleads not guilty Hathaway’s ex: Bad acts had good intentions Celebrities Section Front   Add Celebrities headlines to your news reader: