BEIJING, Oct. 3 -- Heath Ledger's daughter could lose
12.5 million U.S. dollars if a life insurance company wins its case.
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Actor Heath Ledger is pictured in a
scene from "Brokeback Mountain" in this undated publicity photograph.
Ledger received a best actor nomination for his role for the upcoming 78th
Academy Awards. (Xinhua/Reuters, File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>
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"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 62 million dollars 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 dollars estate.
The star left his fortune to his parents and three
sisters, but the family have confirmed they will be passing everything to
Matilda.
(Source:
chinadaily.com.cn/Agencies)