Would it be illegal for Heath Ledger to fake his death?

Many people have brought up the question "Isn't it illegal to fake your death?" On first thought I would have to say no. As long as you are not collecting life insurance money or some other benefit as a result of dying what real harm are you doing. I guess maybe it might be illegal in regards to faking the records that have to be made up but I really don't know. Also when you die do you have to be offically pronounced dead by a coroner? I have seen that most people who fake there death usually disapear. On a river or in some other way where the body isn't discovered. Then the prounouncement of death has to be granted through the courts. This week there has been a lot of talk on whether or not Steve Fossett (the guy who balloons, flies, and sails acround the world) has faked his death to get out of some debts. He supposedley disappeared while flying solo in his plane somewhere in Nevada or there abouts. Recently his wife had to go to court to have him pronounced dead so she could take control of his multi-million dollar estate.
I don't know all the details when it comes to Heath Ledger's death but I will be looking into them over the next few days and also see if I can find answers to the questions on wether or not it is illegal to fake your death.