Natasha Richardson passes away

By Carla Bevan on Thursday 19 March 2009

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Natasha Richardson-Celebrity News-Marie Claire

Natasha Richardson has passed away, with her family at her bedside, after a tragic skiing accident.

A LIFE IN PICTURES

The mother-of-two, who fell during a private ski lesson in Canada three days ago, was flown home to New York for her family to pay its last respects, but passed away late last night.

In a brief statement, the family confirmed the sad news, saying: 'Liam Neeson, his sons, and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha. They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time.'

Doctors have not confirmed exactly how what appeared to be a simple fall on the slope turned so quickly into something more serious, although experts claim she may have suffered what is often called 'walk and die syndrome', when a head injury appears at first to have caused little effect, but has in fact lead to bleeding and swelling in the brain.

A spokesperson at the resort where Natasha was taking skiing lessons said the actress had appeared unconcerned about her fall to begin with, turning down the offer for medical assistance and even signing a form to insist she felt fine. However, an hour later she complained of a headache and was immediately taken to hospital.

Unfortunately, even that swift response appears to have been too slow to save her life.

Part of one of the UK's most famous acting dynasties, Natasha is the daughter of Vanessa Redgrave and sister of Joely Richardson. Both were with her in the New York hospital where she passed away, alongside husband Liam Neeson and her two children, Micheal, 13, and Daniel, 12.

NATASHA RICHARDSON: A LIFE IN PICTURES

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Thursday 19 March 2009

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This is so sad...as well as being a talented actress she was so beautiful and always stylish. My thoughts go to all her loved ones.
Comment by Susannah on March 19 09:52

I am so very sad about this - she was a great actress and a real lady. My heart goes out to her poor family.

Comment by angie on March 19 12:36

I just started crying by the news. How very sad and still so young. My thoughts go out to her family. she was so beautiful and very talented. Why? it's just not fair. I feel so upset by the news.
Comment by toni on March 19 12:56

this is so sad and unfair. She was a wonderful person that anyone can see even though you never met her. Such a tragedy!
Comment by zora on March 19 13:01

She was a lovely lady with a beautiful family this is incredibly sad.My heart goes out to the family.
Comment by C.Cosgrove on March 19 13:17

my heart and condolences go out to the family, especially her poor sons. What a tragedy.
Comment by Sophie Womersley on March 19 13:26

This is so incredibly sad. A beautiful, elegant woman in the prime of her life. I saw her once in a restaurant and she was quite luminous. I never forgot it. Terribly upsetting for everyone. My heart goes out to her family.
Comment by Victoria on March 19 13:57

Such a tragedy, my heart goes out to her children and her husband at this point in time totally unexpected from what seemed like a simple fall has turned in to a disaster.
Comment by Nicola Moore on March 19 14:29

How dreadfully sad for something like this to happen.She seemed to be a lovely lady,fine actress and above all was a devoted wife and mother.Sympathies and condolences to all the family at this extremely difficult time.
Comment by Rebecca on March 19 14:57

What a waste, a beautiful and talented actress, lost too soon
Comment by andy morris on March 19 17:25

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