Boerum Hill community shocked by Ledger's death

Some Boerum Hill residents are reeling from the death of actor and former neighbor Heath Ledger. The 28-year-old "Brokeback Mountain" star's housekeeper found him dead in his SoHo apartment Tuesday.

News 12 Staff

Jan 24, 2008, 1:11 AM

Updated 5,944 days ago

Share:

Boerum Hill community shocked by Ledger's death
Some Boerum Hill residents are reeling from the death of actor and former neighbor Heath Ledger.
The 28-year-old "Brokeback Mountain" star's housekeeper found him dead in his SoHo apartment Tuesday. An autopsy came back inconclusive, but the medical examiner said more thorough tests would be performed.
Police also said tests performed on a rolled-up $20 bill from the apartment found no evidence of drugs. Investigators have stressed that only prescription drugs were found at the scene.
Paparazzi were staked outside of the Hoyt Street home Ledger once shared with actress Michelle Williams.
Boerum Hill residents told News 12 Brooklyn they remember the actor as a down-to-earth family man who spent time with Williams and the young daughter the two shared, Matilda.
"They were definitely not too far removed," said Beth Reese. "They were part of our community. They were very nice and frequented our restaurants."
Neighbors also recalled often seeing the celebrity skateboarding down Bond Street. The couple was also known for fighting against the Atlantic Yards development project.
The Australian-born Ledger moved to SoHo after breaking up with Williams, but reportedly remained close to his child. By all accounts, the accomplished star was not a drug user and maintained a "clean" image.
AP wire reports contributed to this story.


More from News 12
1:55
Large fire at 2-story Bensonhurst building leaves home destroyed

Large fire at 2-story Bensonhurst building leaves home destroyed

1:28
Temperatures cool off heading into the weekend for NYC

Temperatures cool off heading into the weekend for NYC

1:59
Community members affected by Bushwick fire regroup, attempt to move forward

Community members affected by Bushwick fire regroup, attempt to move forward

1:41
New survey highlights challenges for migrants

New survey highlights challenges for migrants

1:55
PS 331 in Borough Park to be renamed in honor of slain Detective WenJian Liu

PS 331 in Borough Park to be renamed in honor of slain Detective WenJian Liu

0:43
2 City Council committees hold joint hearing on sexual harassment policies

2 City Council committees hold joint hearing on sexual harassment policies

4:14
'We lost something good'. FDNY says large fire destroys Bushwick supermarket, leaves 55 people homeless

'We lost something good'. FDNY says large fire destroys Bushwick supermarket, leaves 55 people homeless

Diocese of Brooklyn: 3 Catholic academies to close at the end of the school year

Diocese of Brooklyn: 3 Catholic academies to close at the end of the school year

2:03
New exhibit at Brooklyn Museum unveils new photos taken by Beatles' Paul McCartney

New exhibit at Brooklyn Museum unveils new photos taken by Beatles' Paul McCartney

0:32
NYPD: Suspect driver wanted for assaulting 59-year-old man in Williamsburg

NYPD: Suspect driver wanted for assaulting 59-year-old man in Williamsburg

0:23
Police: 2-car Prospect-Lefferts Gardens crash leaves person hospitalized

Police: 2-car Prospect-Lefferts Gardens crash leaves person hospitalized

0:36
Live Nation Concert Week offers $25 tickets to over 5,000 shows

Live Nation Concert Week offers $25 tickets to over 5,000 shows

2:22
Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

1:27
Kingsboro Psychiatric Center workers demand their bosses get fired due to bullying, nepotism

Kingsboro Psychiatric Center workers demand their bosses get fired due to bullying, nepotism

1:53
Crowds gather again at Stony Brook University following night of 29 arrests during pro-Palestinian protest

Crowds gather again at Stony Brook University following night of 29 arrests during pro-Palestinian protest

1:51
RFK announces he has enough signatures to appear on NY ballot

RFK announces he has enough signatures to appear on NY ballot

1:46
Tenants weigh in on possible rent hikes for rent-stabilized homes

Tenants weigh in on possible rent hikes for rent-stabilized homes

1:38
Parks Department held community input meetings over new construction of skate parks

Parks Department held community input meetings over new construction of skate parks

1:27
Power restored in Manhattan Beach following 18-wheeler truck crash

Power restored in Manhattan Beach following 18-wheeler truck crash