Heath Ledger's heartbroken family is expected to bring his body
back to his hometown Perth, Australia later this week, according to
media reports Tuesday.
Ledger's father Kim, mother Sally Ledger Bell and sister Kate
are among a group of about 15 family members who flew out of Los
Angeles last night for Australia.
Family members have already attended two memorial services in
Los Angeles.
Actor Heath Ledger is
pictured in a scene from Brokeback Mountain in this
undated publicity photograph. Ledger received a best actor
nomination for his role for the upcoming 78th Academy Awards.
(photo: Xinhua/Reuters)
Ledger died in his New York City apartment Jan. 22 at age 28.
The cause of his death is still pending the outcome of toxicology
tests, though authorities suspect a drug overdose.
Police said several prescription drugs were found in the
apartment where the actor's body was found.
Perth locals expressed sadness at his sudden death and outrage
over rumors that he was a drug user.
Much of the rumors were fueled by video footage showing Ledger
at a Hollywood hotel party where drugs were being taken two years
ago.
It is reported that his family will hold a private funeral in
Perth later this week and he will be buried in the Ledger family
plot, near his grandparents, at Perth's Karrakatta cemetery.
(Agencies via Xinhua February 5, 2008)
