by Ruth Woodhouse

Created on: February 07, 2008

Well the evidence is out. The rumour-mill should be considerably silenced now - though there will inevitably be a percentage of people who, as always, choose to remain skeptical about such things. According to the findings of the medical investigation, Heath Ledger died of extreme intoxication caused by a lethal combination of medication that had been prescribed for him by doctors. There is some question as to whether the one doctor would have been responsible for prescribing all the half dozen medications involved. This is known to be an all-too-common problem which can prove fatal, as in Heath's demise. Whenever people see more than one doctor they need to ensure they state all the medications they are already on. It's not only over-dosing on drugs that is highly dangerous. Even taking the correct amount of drugs that interact detrimentally together can just as easily kill a person.

If Heath had intentionally over-dosed on drugs that would be tragic enough. But such an accidental untimely end to the life of a young man with such a promising career stretching before him is even more sad. As Heath's parents have said in a statement given in light of the coroner's findings, it indeed "serves as a caution to the hidden dangers of combining prescription drugs, even a t a low dosage."

My heart goes out to the parents and family of this young man. To the world he was a brilliant actor whose talent was expected to light up the silver screen for decades to come. Certainly he had a legion of fans as well as personal friends who loved and respected him.

But nothing can compare to the grief of his parents and family. To them he was so much more and they loved him long before his acting talent became "public property", so to speak. To them he was, above all, a beloved son, brother, father, etc - who was loved unconditionally and, independently of his talents. Their loss is so much personal. Right now they are grieving just as any other parents who have lost a beloved son or family member way too young.

Again I quote the parents in their statement delivered through Heath's sister, Kim.

"We remain humble as parents and a family, among millions of people worldwide who may have suffered the tragic loss of a child

"Few can understand the hollow, wrenching and enduring agony parents silently suffer when a child predeceases them....."

These words came from the hearts of typical, average parents who have been thrust into the media spotlight during their time of grief just because

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