With a brief update on Heath Ledger's Memorial. The representative for Heath confirmed that there will be no public memorial (funeral) service. Although there apparantly will be a private one for Heath's family, along with his friends who will attend a private ceremony on Saturday, then Heath will be making his final trip home to Australia. There also will be a private memorial in LA, where Heath's close friends will attend.
Mary-Kate Olsen, who was telephoned by Heath's housekeeper during the time of his crisis had been silent, but now has made a statement. Mary-Kate, who is 21, said, "Heath was a friend. His death is a tragic loss. My thoughts are with his family during this very difficult time."
Although Mary-Kate was the first to be phoned prior to 911 being dialed by Theresa Solomon, Heath's housekeeper, the police had confirmed on Friday that Mary-Kate will not be questioned regarding the events happening at the time Mary-Kate was called in LA.
Heath's family Paid Tribute to Heath Ledger prior to flying to New York for his Memorial.
The late actors close friend In reading reports of the West Australian Today, of 28 year old Heath Ledger's family, who had filled two columns full, with sentiments of Heath's passing, and living. These heart-breaking sentiments were so touching, that I just had to share it with you.
His baby sister, who's name is Olivia, said she already missed her ‘idol' and prayed every night that he was safe. "Heath inspired so many young actors around the world to pursue their dreams," she said. "You're my idol, my hero, but most importantly, my loving big brother. I'll treasure every moment we spent together."
"Nothing would get in your way ... no mountain too tall, no river too wide."
Heath Ledger's family had vowed to be supportive to Michelle Williams, (mother to his daughter) and his two-year old daughter Matilda always. "Your true legacy lives on in beautiful little Matilda, who will always remain in the greatest of care. Our hearts are broken."
"We will be there for Matilda," Sally, Heath Ledger's mother wrote. "You lived life with courage and daring and we are so grateful for the wonderful times we shared."
Heath Ledger's father put things into perspective, saying, "No more chess games, Mate, this is it." "'Beef' … my beautiful boy, "he said," ... so loving, so talented, so independent, so caring, so young ... " In closing his father added, "My body aches for the sound of your voice, our chats, our laughs and our life and times together."
Heath's Ledger family, prior to leaving for New York, took the time to pay a tribute of their own to their beloved family member Heath, who had the nick name of 'Heatho', 'Beef' and 'Roast'.
His elder sister Kate wrote, "I can hardly breathe when I try to write this," she said, "I feel both my heart and life have been torn apart. You will never leave my thoughts 'Roast', ever.''
Together his family combined their sentiments, stating how they watched Heath's "self-styled path" through his life with quiet determination.
Very well put.
On a Grim Note:
Hopefully during Heath Ledger's Funeral Ceremony in LA, protesters will give Heath's family and friends a little breathing room. The Westboro Baptist Church Leader, 78 year old Fred Phelps has vowed to picket Heath's ceremony, in his pursuit with his homophobic rage against the gay community, amoung others. Phelps, who is known for protesting against Fallen American Soldiers, Gay Rights Parades, and others, told Australian Current Affairs that;
'Dying time is truth time," Phelps said. "This is the best thing that ever happened to that family." He also spewed a range of other nasty things, including calling Australians Sodom's, plus relating to the fact he was glad Heath was gone. It's really hard to imagine anyone being so insensitive or rude about a young person dying, or gay people, or any other group in this day and age, but that man makes no excuses. It is a fact of life, that the Salem Witch hunting days ended in like the 1800's, along with self-righteous singers using God's name to suit their own predigest means. Regardless, all the Aussie's that I know, always say American's as a whole are friendly, kind and generous people, and Aussies would never take the rantings of an old wanker seriously. One of my Aussie Mate's told me an Aussie would just tell him to 'mind his own business and buggar off.' When the telecast airs, I'll set the link to that interview as a follow up in this article.
Heath's family is expected to arrive in New York today, and a memorial ceremony is expected to be held in New York. New York's Frank E Campbell Funeral Chapel that they will host his funeral, George Amado, Funeral Director had told the Associated Press that the family has requested that no details be revealed to the public. What has been revealed is that there will be a memorial service for Heath in both New York, and LA, prior to his body being flown back to Perth Australia, where a private funeral will be held.
Heath Ledger's body had been transferred to New York's Frank E Campbell funeral chapel after the autopsy, of which the preliminarily results were inconclusive. The esteemed Chapel who has in the past handled the funeral arrangements for Heads of State, United Nations Ambassadors, Film Stars, and Royalty has reportedly had been in contact with Heath's family, regarding the handling of arrangements for their son. Heath's apartment steps in the SoHo district is reportedly filled with roses, tulips, tropical flowers, candles, and sentiments paying tribute to the young star.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, DFAT, have graciously offered assistance as well to Heath's family, but it was unconfirmed as to the extent of what was offered. A DFAT spokeswoman said the consulate-general in New York had been in contact with police, and the spokeswoman stated, "Consular officials in Canberra (Australian Capital) have been in contact with his family, his nominated point-of-contact and have offered consular assistance."
It was however, indicated by ABC online, that DFAT did offer to setup the flight of Heath's body home to Australia for his funeral. Plans have somewhat changed, although after the memorial service, it's been specualted that his family will be bringing Heath's body home with them, Heath's father Kim reportedly said, that he just wants to be with son. It sounds as though, they can't bear the thought of Heath's body flying home alone.
On a happy note.
Heath had spent some quality time with his family, last Christmas. According to Australian News, Heath spent December and part of January with his family. His homecoming brought him back to his Aussie roots, according to Aussie news, Heath hung out with Super Model Gamma Ward's sister's Sophie. Heath reportedly had phoned the media, the editor of The West Australian Newspaper, leaving a message graciously thanking the media for leaving him alone during his stay, the paper said.
Heath was quoted to say, "I don't know whether it's a conscious thing or an unconscious thing, giving me space and respecting my privacy," Heath Ledger said to the paper. "It's just been awesome. I've had the most beautiful time back here and being able to see all my friends and family ... It's really enabled me to be a boy again from home and feel like I'd never left," he added. "It's truly been an incredibly therapeutic and a much-needed trip home..."
Written by: Sacreeta
