So far, autopsy in 'inconclusive'

Heath Ledger's family has spoken up about his tragic death.

Following the news of the actor's shocking death on Tuesday, Jan. 22, the Ledger's father Kim, accompanied by wife Sally and daughter Kate, read the following statement outside of their home in West Australia:

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

The loss of the actor also prompted a statement from Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd: "It is tragic that we have lost one of our nation's finest actors in the prime of his life. Heath Ledger's diverse and challenging roles will be remembered as some of the great performances by an Australian actor."

Ledger, 28, was found dead in a SoHo apartment on Tuesday with sleeping pills nearby. An initial autopsy has proven inconclusive, and authorities are awaiting initial results before determining cause of death.