Heath Ledger's rep releases statement

Heath Ledger's rep just released this statement - and warned the public to avoid speculation.

"We are all deeply saddened and shocked by this accident. This is an extremely difficult time for his loved ones and we are asking the media to please respect the family's privacy and avoid speculation until the facts are known."

The official cause of death will not be released until tomorrow afternoon when an autopsy is performed. It his however, widely accepted that Heath's death was accidental.

Todd Haynes has spoken out passionately on behalf of the actor.

"This is an unimaginable tragedy. Heath was a true artist, a deeply sensitive man, an explorer, gifted and wise beyond his years. There is no finer person on this earth,” Todd said in a statement.

Heath's former lover Michelle Williams was reportedly left 'devastated' by news of Heath's death.

Williams, who has a two-year-old daughter Matilda with Ledger, was on location in Sweden when news of his death broke.

She is now reportedly making her way back to the U.S with her daughter, People magazine reports.

"She's devastated," a source close to 27-year-old Williams said.

The couple was together for three years, after meeting on the set of Brokeback Mountain, in which she played the wife of Ledger's gay cowboy character.

The couple were often rumoured to be on the verge of tying the knot, but eventually split last September.

"I can't believe Matilda is going to grow up without a dad, without knowing her father," another source told People. "And that Michelle will have to deal with having a daughter who's lost her father.

"She's a survivor. She'll make it, but it's going to be hard. Her first concern is going to be Matilda."