Cole 'Devastated' After Ledger's Death

Model-turned-actress LILY COLE was left devastated by the death of co-star HEATH LEDGER - describing his passing as "one of the hardest experiences" of her life.

The British beauty became a close friend of the tragic Brokeback Mountain star on the set of Ledger's last film The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus, shortly before he died of an accidental drug overdose at his New York apartment in January (08).

The pair had been spotted on several occasions off-set, enjoying gigs together in Cole's native London.

And the star admits she was left traumatised by his early demise, because the film crew and cast got along so well.

She tell Britain's Daily Mirror, "When he (Ledger) died it was one of the hardest, most devastating experiences. It was for everyone on set.

"When three actors came to replace him it must of been hard for them too. But what was amazing was the things they did came from a place of being friends with Heath."

The three actors Cole is referring to are Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell who all agreed to play versions of Ledger's character to help finish off the film.