Fox News is reporting that Heath Ledger, who died of an apparent drug overdose in New York City on Tuesday, had been battling severe depression and substance abuse issues; and the Oscar nominee’s pastimes in recent months are guaranteed to shock his legion of mourning fans. Fox reports: Ledger has many friends, I am told, who will turn up in the next few days with tales to make our collective hair stand on end. He may not have committed suicide, but he carried on, my source says, with little regard for his health or well-being. “When they do the autopsy it will all come out, I’m sure,” says one producer who knew the couple well. “They’ll find everything,” a Fox spywitness reports.

Heath began feeling depressed as his career skyrocketed and his life with ex-fiancee Michelle Williams and daughter Matilda suffered:

“You’re being paid $10 million and wondering if you’re worth it. Then your girlfriend kicks you out, you’re separated from your child, and you’re thinking: ‘I’m a big movie star but not popular at home.’ That’s when the trouble starts.”

The Coroner’s Office will complete Heath’s autopsy on Wednesday (Today).