Actor Heath Ledger was found dead Tuesday of a possible drug overdose in a Lower Manhattan apartment, the New York Police Department said. The Academy Award nominated actor was 28.

"Pills were found in the vicinity of the bed," police spokesman Paul Browne told CNN. "This is being looked at as a possible overdose, but that is not confirmed yet." Police later said the pills "appear to be over the counter" sleeping medication.

Ledger was unresponsive when he was found by a housekeeper who had gone to wake him for an appointment with a masseuse in the Soho apartment, Browne said.

He was declared dead at about 3:30 p.m., Browne said.

In 2005, the actor played Ennis Del Mar in "Brokeback Mountain," about two cowboys who had a secret relationship. The role earned him the Oscar nomination. Ledger was born in Perth, Australia. He has a young daughter with actress Michelle Williams, his co-star in "Brokeback Mountain."

HEATH LEDGER'S Family: "He Touched So Many People"
Heath Ledger's father Kim released the following statement with regards to the 28-year-old actor's tragic death Tuesday in New York:

"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 family's need to grieve and come to terms with our loss privately."

MICHELLE WILLIAMS' Family: "Heath Was a Beautiful Flame "
Michelle Williams' father Larry told Australia's The Daily Telegraph that Heath Ledger's death has left his family broken hearted.

Mr. Williams said, "I think [poet] Tennyson got it right in the poem when he described someone as having died at a young age but burning the candles at both ends, and oh what a beautiful flame he made, that was Heath, what a beautiful flame he made and a great talent.

"My heart goes out to everyone in his family and my family. The saddest thing is his 2-year-old daughter [Matilda] whom he just loved dearly."

(Sources: CNN, JustJared)