People in the News

From The Associated Press

Mary-Kate Olson: Ledger was a friend

Mary-Kate Olsen says Heath Ledger was a “friend” in a brief statement released last week, the same day police said they have no interest in interviewing the “Full House” star.

Released by her publicist, the statement is the first word from Olsen since the Australian-born actor’s death. In its entirety, it reads:

“Heath was a friend. His death is a tragic loss. My thoughts are with his family during this very difficult time.”

Police said the masseuse who found Ledger’s body Tuesday spent nine minutes making three calls to the Olsen twin before dialing 9-1-1 for help, then called Olsen a fourth time after paramedics arrived. At some point during the flurry of calls, Olsen, who was in California, summoned her personal security guards to the apartment to help, police said.