They know he died from an accidental drug overdose, but federal prosecutors wanted to learn how actor Heath Ledger obtained the powerful painkillers that contributed to his death. But, now, it appears that will remain a mystery.
Yesterday prosecutors overseeing a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation into whether the painkillers found in Ledger’s system were obtained illegally decided not to pursue criminal charges against the person who supplied the actor with the drugs. Law enforcement officials say they bowed out of the probe “because they don’t believe there’s a viable target.”
The announcement comes less than 24 hours after actress Mary-Kate Olsen demanded immunity before answering questions about the sudden death of the 28-year-old “Dark Knight” star. According to reports, other witnesses, including Ledger’s ex-girlfriend Michelle Williams, the actor’s neighbors and his doctors willingly cooperated with authorities involved in the investigation. However, Olsen—-the first person notified of Ledger’s condition by a masseuse who found the actor’s lifeless body in his Manhattan apartment last January—-demanded she be given immunity in exchange for her testimony.
According to DEA officials, a subpoena was obtained that could have forced Olsen to testify, but now that a criminal case is not being pursued the actress can take her secrets to the grave.
Interestingly, Olsen’s attorney issued a statement yesterday saying, “Mary-Kate had nothing to do” with Ledger’s drugs and had already provided “relevant information” to investigators.”
Not for nothing, but if she already spoke to authorities and had nothing to hide then what’s one more interview? No one else who knew Ledger seemed to have a problem speaking with investigators. Having authorities secure a subpoena to obtain information doesn’t exactly scream “innocent” to me.
Officials said yesterday that the case could still be revived if evidence of a crime emerges.
According to DEA investigators, the “Brokeback Mountain” star died from a lethal mix of drugs, including the painkillers oxycodone and hydrocodone, which authorities suspect the actor obtained with phony prescriptions or other illegal means. Meanwhile investigators say other drugs taken by Ledger, including anti-anxiety medication and sleeping pills, were prescribed legally by doctors in California and Texas.