Report: Actor Heath Ledger Sick With Pneumonia Prior To His Death

January 22, 2008 8:00 p.m. EST

New York NY (CNS) - New reports indicate that Australian actor Heath Ledger was sick with pneumonia when he died earlier today in his apartment in New York City. Ledger, 28, was found naked and unconscious and surrounded by sleeping pills when his housekeeper discovered him lying on the floor.

According to the NYPD, Ledger's housekeeper and a masseuse found the actor unconscious on his bed around 3:30pm ET. When he did not respond after they tried to wake him up, they had immediately called 911. The police said no foul play was likely involved.

Ledger was reportedly in full cardiac arrest when the paramedics responded. CPR was performed on him but was futile. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

Ledger is probably best known for his controversial and award-nominated role as Ennis del Mar in 'Brokeback Mountain'. He had gained fan base with the 1999 movie '10 Things I Hate About You' and 'A Knights Tale.' He was set to play the Joker in the forthcoming Batman film 'The Dark Knight.'

Ledger has a two-year-old daughter, Matilda Rose, with ex girlfriend Michelle Williams.

Gossip web site TMZ also reports that fellow actress Lindsay Lohan, who was rumored to have dated Ledger, declined to comment about his death.

An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.

CNS writer Anne Lu contributed to this report.