Heath Ledger: Post Mortem Media Circus

     Amid the media circus that ensued after the January 22, 2007 passing of Heath Ledger, I found myself wondering if the media giants realize just how intrusive their coverage can be at times when it is not absolutely necessary. 

     I understand that people who chase and finally achieve celebrity status sign up for most of the general intrusions---i.e., pictures taken at award ceremonies, pictures taken of them while on vacation, etc.  Yet, while these people chase and may achieve the celebrity status they seek, as a fellow human, I can most assuredly state that I doubt very much that while they're chasing their dreams they sign up for this kind of outrageous media behavior of filming them and quite possibly, the circumstances of their deaths.

     Mr. Ledger's tragic death is just a reminder of this morbid abuse: he was a very talented actor who had just begun his ascent into "major" celebrity status with the 2005 movie "Brokeback Mountain" and had wrapped on the Batman sequel due out this summer.  Yet, the young star had a problem with sleeping because of the intensity of the roles he took on.  This in turn, turned out to be deadly for the young actor----no matter how one looks at the variety of clues.  Is reporting his death and related cause wrong? No---I believe that all of this information was/is newsworthy: it helps all of us understand that even prescription drugs are frought with danger if not taken with extreme caution.  However, reporting the circumstances  surrounding Mr. Ledger's untimely death should not have included pictures of the coroner's office and police removing his lifeless form from his home; it also should never have included a picture of the hearst with his coffin inside.

     Call me a purist, I just don't see the need for such intrusion while a family half way around the world in Australia is mourning the loss of their son, brother, and father.  It also angered me to read in the media when family and friends began arriving.  Death is a very private, delicate matter in most every culture----yet the american media machine has decided to somehow make a circus out of it.  This isn't the first time, of course: who could forget the debauchle over Anna Nicole Smith or her son just four months prior? These are just recent examples of the media frenzy that awaits anyone---in life or in death---that attains a "celebrity" status.

     I believe it is high time that people (especially those who call themselves "journalists") refrain from being so intrusive in regards to "celebrities".  Yes, they are high paid entertainers; yes, they signed up for a lot of the "paparazzi" attention by seeking such a high profile entertainment position; and, yes, it normally fulfills a need to "peek" into the "celebrity" lifestyle for us average folks.  However, I fail to see the need for such intrusive, post-mortem reporting that goes on when any celebrity passes---it's just a non-compassionate, ethically corrupt practice that needs to be done away with. And the sooner the better.

     No human being---celebrity or not---would knowingly sign up for such intrusive media attention.

     It has now been roughly two weeks since Mr. Ledger's untimely passing, and, as suspected, his death has been attributed to an accidental overdose---caused by the cumulative effects of pain medications, anti-anxiety pills, and sleep aids.  Although I am sure this does not ease his family's loss or grief, I sure hope that it ends all of the rumors and mindless media speculation as to his untimely passing.

     Heath Ledger's untimely passing should be a lesson to us all: before taking ANY medication, make sure that you understand the inherent risks associated with it---especially if you have more than one prescription.  Also make sure that your doctor(s) are all on the same page and know what medications you are already taking.  It's very sad to lose anyone under such tragic circumstances, celebrity status or not.

    Rest In Peace, Mr. Ledger.  We shall all miss your talent.