Joker - DEAD

Academy Award nominee Heath Ledger, 28, has died of a possible drug overdose in New York, police have confirmed.

He was found dead in his bed at his apartment on Broome Street, Soho in Manhattan by his housekeeper at 3.35pm local time, the TMZ website said.

A police spokesman told smh.com.au the cause of death was unknown, although there were reports that Ledger had taken drugs.

"We don't have that (the cause of death) yet. The matter is still under investigation," the spokesman said.
US television network NBC reported his body was found surrounded by pills.

The Associated Press reported that Ledger had had an appointment for a massage today at the apartment that is believed to be his home.

Must have been quite a massage.