The death of Heath Ledger is of course a tragedy and it has undeniably created a public interest that surpasses the career pinnacle of most rising stars. But it isn’t just the loss of the actor that seems to spark attention, it is the senselessness, the mystery, the endless speculation that has added to a virtual mediastorm surrounding family, friends and strangers alike.

While the seemingly healthy Ledger has been labeled everything from a drug addict to a manic depressive in the days following his death we seem to lose sight of what he really was, a normal person.

Despite being an actor, a coverboy, and an Oscar nominee, he was ultimately a man with a family - a father, a son, a lover, a friend.

While Hollywood acquaintances issue impersonal statements through publicists and agents, those close to him are grieving under the bright lights of flashbulbs.

Blogosphere, the rag mags, television shows are standing outside the home of Michelle Williams praying for a glimpse of the grieving woman to sell covers and increase ratings. They virtually stalked her mother and friends Busy Phillips and Keri Russell as they made their way through the otherwise quiet Brooklyn neighborhood earlier this week.

Hundreds camped out outside the Manhattan funeral home to snap pictures of the body bag.

It makes you wonder what celebrity has come to. As they whore photos of Ledger’s 2 year old daughter Matilda and harass innocent family members, shoving video cameras in their faces, we can’t rationalize the behavior.

Would the coverage really be any different without the photo? The death of this actor who probably had the best moments of a long career ahead is terrible enough; these pathetic “news” agencies are only making it a spectacle and a media circus.

The death of Anna Nicole Smith came complete with interview exclusives and photo-ops, while this quiet family just wants more than anything to grieve in peace.

Even blogger Perez Hilton refused to report on the location of the funeral or post pictures of Michelle Williams returning to New York.

We have to draw the line somewhere people. When do those flashbulbs ever burn out?

- Theresa Bennett