Ledger's Family Returns To Perth

Security Guards And Police Officers Keep Photographers At Bay

(AP)  Heath Ledger's family evaded scores of photographers Tuesday as they returned to Perth following the Oscar-nominated actor's death in a Manhattan apartment last month.

The family has refused to release funeral details but it is believed Ledger's body will be laid to rest in the family's plot at a cemetery in Perth.

Several security guards and police officers watched as Ledger's father, Kim, and several other relatives emerged from their plane after other passengers had disembarked.

Kim Ledger didn't answer reporters' questions as the entourage quickly entered an elevator in the airport terminal. Local media reported family members were driven across the tarmac and out of the airport, evading the press pack that had gathered in the arrival hall.

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Photos: Ledger's Life Cut Short

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There was no immediate indication that Heath Ledger's body or remains had arrived.

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Photos: On Losing Ledger

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Mara Buxbaum, Ledger's U.S.-based publicist, has said the family wants to keep funeral arrangements private, and Michelle Williams, the mother of his 2-year-old daughter Matilda, has requested privacy for those in mourning.

The family will reportedly hold a private ceremony and either bury Ledger's remains or have them cremated and interred at the family's plot at a cemetery in Perth, where his two grandparents lie. The timing of the funeral is unclear.

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Photos: Ledger On Film

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Ledger, who was nominated for an Oscar for his role in "Brokeback Mountain," died in his New York City apartment Jan. 22. He was 28. Authorities suspect a drug overdose, but toxicology tests are still pending. Police said several prescription drugs were found in the apartment where his body was found.

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Photos: A Look At Heath Ledger

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As Ledger's hometown prepared for his funeral, residents of this idyllic and isolated city in the southwest corner of Australia expressed sadness at his sudden death - and outrage at rumors that he was a drug user.

"If a person dies, let him go in peace. All this rubbish they bring up about drugs and everything else, I think it's a lot of rubbish," said Margaret Byrne, a 58-year-old catering supervisor at Royal Perth Hospital.

Much of that speculation was fueled by video footage showing Ledger at a Hollywood hotel party where drugs were being taken two years ago.

Ledger was a source of pride for Perth - a metropolis of some 1.3 million people that lies on the edge of Australia's vast Outback and is thousands of miles from the nearest major city.

"It's probably the biggest news we've had in Perth in a long time," said Shannon Harvey, film critic at The Sunday Times. "He's probably the highest-profile star who's ever come out of Perth."

[barbaraf4]

Posted by henry20076 at 10:12 AM : Feb 06, 2008

Then why are you repeating rumors?

[henry20076]

he is so cool. but i just found out his secret that he have joined an
online club SugarMommaMatch.c, by which he is seeking a *** girl or rich women
dating cute men.. ..i am not sure if it is ture, but it is horrible.

[lambofgoth]

Mythoughtsr... clearly you have a problem with the French. That''s fine but are you like Bill O''Reilly and say you are boycotting the French while stuffing your face with croissants?

[barbaraf4]

This family and their friends are a class act.

[psk123-2009]

Let his family have some peace and the ability to bury their loved one in privacy. Who amoung us would want a media circus surrounding us while we try to bury and mourn for a treasured and valued family member?

[mythoughtsr]

It makes me think of Elton John''s "Candle in the Wind". The line..."the press still hounded you, saying Marilyn was found in the nude". There is no dignity, no respect, only money and the pitiful shouts of the photographers (that''s what it''s called in ENGLISH) and their unending quest for money.

I hope that Heath''s family gives them no opportunity to score that perfect picture. If they do, you can be sure I won''t be buying. Someone or some entity needs to put an end to this harassment of people.