Heath Ledger's death a tragic loss for Western Australia

23/1/08
Western Australia had lost one of its finest sons with the death of actor Heath Ledger, Acting Premier Eric Ripper said today.
"This is shocking news and on behalf of Western Australians everywhere, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to Heath's family, friends and colleagues," Mr Ripper said.
"Heath was a brilliant and very successful actor. But to many Western Australians, he was much more. He was also a schoolmate, a friend, a former neighbour.
"My personal condolences go to all of his family and friends. There are many people from his home State and indeed around the world, who will be saddened by this tragedy."
The Acting Premier said the Ledger family was well-known and respected by many people in Perth and WA.
Mr Ripper said the thoughts of Western Australians everywhere would, in particular, be with Heath's parents Sally and Kim and his young daughter Matilda.

Heath was one of the best actors the nation had produced and his death at age 28 had shocked the community.
"I understand he was a former student at both Mary's Mount Primary School in Gooseberry Hill and later at Guildford Grammar," Mr Ripper said.
"Apparently he left school at 16 to pursue his passion for acting. There is no doubt his wonderful work in that field in such a comparatively short time will endure."
The Acting Premier said Western Australians everywhere would be proud of Ledger's work and his legacy.
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