Friday January 25, 04:10 PM
Ledger's family struggles with loss
Heath Ledger was an "old soul" in a young man's body, his grieving family says.
And his legacy would be his two-year-old daughter Matilda, the 28-year-old actor's family said in a newspaper death notice.
"How do we describe our sudden and tragic loss," the family said of the acclaimed Perth-born actor's death in a New York apartment.
"You were the most amazing 'old soul' in a young man's body.
"As a close knit and very private family we have observed you so determined yet quietly travelling in your self-styled path in life, nothing would get in your way ... no mountain too tall, no river too wide.
"You dreamed your dreams and lived them with passion and intelligent commitment.
"We have been privileged to accompany you on a ride through life that has simply been amazing and through it all we have loved each other beyond imagination."
Ledger's family said his true legacy would be his daughter with actor Michelle Williams, from whom he split last year.
"Our hearts are broken..."
In a separate notice, Ledger's father Kim wrote: "Heatho, Beef ... my beautiful boy, so loving, so talented, so independent ... so no more chess games mate ... this is it, couldn't beat you anyway.
"We were one, in soul and commitment, just ... father and son."
The actor's sister Kate said she could "hardly breathe" as she tried to write her tribute.
"We were the ultimate soul mates," she said.
"You were so many things to so many people, but to me you were just my little brother.
"You will never leave my thoughts, 'Roast', ever."
Ledger's mother Sally Ledger-Bell said the family would always be there for his daughter.
Other family members, friends and Ledger's old school, Guildford Grammar School, also paid tribute to the actor.
His immediate family will attend a memorial service for the actor in the United States, a family friend says.
Perth Model Sophie Ward says the family will fly to Los Angeles for the service, to be held before his body is returned to Perth for burial, The West Australian reports
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