Olsen speaks out about Ledger's death

Reuters

TOUGH TIME: Mary-Kate Olsen says Heath Ledger's death is a 'tragic loss'.

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Actress Mary-Kate Olsen - one half of the Olsen twins - has spoken out about the death of Heath Ledger, saying it is a "tragic loss".

The 21-year-old actress - who was romantically linked to the actor before he was found dead last week - denied she was dating the Brokeback Mountain star, and offered her condolences to his family.

She said: "Heath was a friend. His death is a tragic loss. My thoughts are with his family during this very difficult time."

It had been claimed police wanted to speak to Mary-Kate after it was revealed Heath's masseuse called her twice upon discovering his body before contacting emergency services.

Diana Wolozin used the speed dial function on Heath's mobile phone to call Mary-Kate in California after finding the Australian actor unconscious.

A source told People magazine: "Wolozin arrived at the apartment and when Ledger did not come out of his bedroom she called his cell and got no answer. She went into the room and found him lying naked on the bed. She shook him but he did not respond. So she used his speed dial to call Olsen.

"Olsen told the masseuse she would call her security people in New York for help. The masseuse then called Olsen back to say she would call 911 herself.

"Emergency services arrived at the apartment at almost the exact same time as Olsen's security people."

Meanwhile, Mary-Kate made her first public appearance since Heath's death at a New York bar on Thursday.

She was joined by her twin sister Ashley and a male companion at Pianos, where they listened to a live band.

A source said: "They all had martinis. They did not stay long, and then went to a party down the street."