Heath Ledger's estate row
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
Heath Ledger's daughter could lose $12.5 million if a life insurance company wins its case.
'The Dark Knight' actor died of an accidental drug overdose in January this year, but Reliastar Life Insurance is investigating whether he committed suicide.
Lawyers for Matilda Rose -the star's daughter with 'Brokeback Mountain' co-star Michelle Williams - are suing the firm, insisting there is no evidence of suicide.
If they win, the three-year-old could also be entitled to an additional $62million in damages.
Prosecutor William Shernoff said: "The money belongs to Matilda. There's not a shred of evidence that points to suicide.
"If the court found that the insurance company was acting in bad faith, they could add punitive damages - that would amount to four or five times the insurance policy."
A New York City inquest previously ruled the death was a tragic accident.
Earlier this week, Ledger's father Kim announced Matilda would receive the star's entire estimated $16.6 million estate.
The star left his fortune to his parents and three sisters, but the family have confirmed they will be passing everything to Matilda.
Click here to go to our Heath Ledger Photo Gallery.
(C) BANG Media International
More Heath Ledger »
Heath Ledger responsible for death
Heath Ledger's father blames his son for his death.
Wednesday, 8 July 2009, 10.50am - in Celebrity
Heath Ledger's Globe win
Heath Ledger was posthumously awarded a Golden Globe Award for his performance in 'The Dark Knight' yesterday evening (11.01.09).
Monday, 12 January 2009, 11.22am - in Celebrity
Heath Ledger tribute axed
A proposed tribute to Heath Ledger has been axed.
Tuesday, 16 December 2008, 1.25pm - in Celebrity
Heath Ledger's Globe nomination
Heath Ledger has received a posthumous Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe nomination.
Thursday, 11 December 2008, 2.38pm - in Celebrity
Heath Ledger's Critics award
Heath Ledger and Sean Penn were honoured at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association awards last night (09.12.08).
Wednesday, 10 December 2008, 12.35pm - in Celebrity
People's Choice Heath Ledger
Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, Britney Spears and Rihanna have all been nominated for a People's Choice Award.
Tuesday, 11 November 2008, 11.58am - in Celebrity
