Tributes

Helena Christensen 'Beyond Sad' over Friend Heath

By Brian Orloff

01/23/2008 at 12:15 PM EST

Supermodel Helena Christensen is another who is distraught over the untimely death of her friend Heath Ledger.

"He was such a special and genuine person, so extraordinarily talented because he was so raw and honest with his feelings," Christensen, 39, tells Women's Wear Daily. "He was so full of life, so electric."

Ledger, she says, was "a sweet, smart and talented young man and had many friends. My heart goes out to his family. I am just beyond sad at this point, and shocked."

She also says that she was about to see the 28-year-old actor when she heard of his death. "I was on my way over to pay him a visit when I found out," she says. "I had just left him a message and heard his voice on the machine."

After his split last September from Michelle Williams, the actor was spotted out with Christensen, prompting speculation that they were dating. Not so, the supermodel told PEOPLE, explaining they were just friends.

Heath Ledger: Life in Photos: See all the actor's most recent photos – from life as a dad to being an Oscar nominee