Michelle Williams 'heartbroken' over Ledger's death

London, Feb 2 : Actress Michelle Williams has issued her first public statement regarding the tragic death of her ex-fiance Heath Ledger, saying that she is extremely "heartbroken."

The Oscar-nominated actress, who met Ledger on the set of the 2005 film "Brokeback Mountain," pleaded with fans and journalists to respect her need for privacy.

In a statement released through publicist Mara Buxbaum, the 27-year-old actress said: "My heart is broken. Please respect our need to grieve privately."

Soon after starting her relationship with the Aussie actor, Williams gave birth to the couple's only child, Matilda Rose, on October 28, 2005, reports E! Online.

And it is through the spirit of his daughter that Ledger lives on, Williams said.

"I am the mother of the most tender-hearted, high-spirited, beautiful little girl who is the spitting image of her father. All that I can cling to is his presence inside her that reveals itself every day," she said.

"His family and I watch Matilda as she whispers to trees, hugs animals and takes steps two at a time, and we know that he is with us still. She will be brought up with the best memories of him," she added.

The statement is the first comment of any kind Williams has made since Ledger was found dead at his SoHo apartment on Jan. 22.

The filming of Williams' latest movie, "Blue Valentine," has been postponed to allow the actress time to mourn. It was set to begin filming February 25.

ANI