AceShowbiz -

While a representative for Heath Ledger, Mara Buxbaum, tend to label the actor's sudden death on Tuesday, January 22 as an "accident" and at the same time asked "the media to please respect the family's privacy and avoid speculation until the facts are known," his father Kim Ledger has issued a statement on behalf of the family.

Speaking out about Heath's death, his family said "Heath's family confirms the very tragic, untimely and accidental passing of our dearly loved son, brother and doting father of Matilda. He was found peacefully asleep in his New York apartment by his housekeeper at 3:30 p.m. U.S. time. We would like to thank our friends and everyone around the world for their well wishes and kind thoughts at this time. Heath has touched so many people on so many different levels during his short life but few had the pleasure of truly knowing him. He was a down to earth, generous, kind-hearted, life-loving and selfless individual who was extremely inspirational to many. Please now respect our families need to grieve and come to terms with our loss privately."

Heath Ledger was found dead, naked in the bedroom of his Soho apartment, at around 3:30 P.M. Tuesday. Speculation is mounting that his death might have been drug-related. Meanwhile, an autopsy has been scheduled to take place Wednesday, January 23.