A Short Note on Heath

The toxicology result for Heath Ledger’s death was released today and I have to admit some surprise with the results. Although no less than six different compounds were detected in his system, they are generally not regarded as dangerous drugs if, as the statement was made, they weren’t taken in excessive amounts and by an otherwise healthy individual. Oxycodone and hydrocodone are two potent forms of codeine and will interact with the three benzodiazepines he also took – diazepam, temazepam and alprazolam – to cause cardiac and respiratory depression. In other words, his heart rate became too slow and weak and his respirations too slow and shallow to supply his heart and brain with enough blood and oxygen. The doxylamine is similar, in Australia usually being found as a component in mersyndol, but not in very high doses. Tragic.

The term ‘accidental overdose’ is clearly being used in this case to indicate he took the drugs with no intention of suicide. But such a combination of related pharmaceuticals taken all together certainly qualifies as overdose and substance abuse. No way I’m going to pass judgements on that; what guts me the most is that he had a two year old daughter and I wonder if  had she been there would he still have resorted to the pills for comfort? From my own experience, it would take a helluva lot to separate me from my little boy and as much as I protect him, he protects me. He was sick last night, went to bed with a slight fever. I checked on him a couple of hours later and found him whimpering and shaking with a very high temperature. Thankfully a little nurofen and a sleep between mummy and daddy sees him bright eyed and bushy tailed again this morning. For me and my wife, he’s the most important thing in the world. I could never be Heath, living alone, half a world away.

Blood is thicker than pills.

Rest in Peace, Heath.