Natasha Richardson dies

Mar 19, 2009, 9:45 GMT

(FILES) A file picture shows British actress Natasha Richardson arrive at the presentation of the film \'Asylum\' at the 55th Berlinale Film Festival in Berlin, Germany on Friday, 11 February 2005. According to reports on 18 March 2009, actress Natasha Richardson died following a seemingly innocuous fall while skiing on a bunny slope at the Mont Tremblant resort in Canada on 17 March 2009. EPA/Jan Woitas

Natasha Richardson has died.

The British actress - the wife of Liam Neeson, daughter of Vanessa Redgrave and sister of Joely Richardson - passed away at New York City's Lenox Hill Hospital on Wednesday (18.03.09) after sustaining a head injury while skiing on Monday (16.03.09).

In an official statement, Liam - who has two sons Micheal, 13, and 12-year-old Daniel with Natasha - said: "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."

Natasha, 45, fell on the beginners' slopes at Mont Tremblant ski resort near Montreal, Canada.

She initially seemed fine, but began complaining of a severe headache about an hour after the accident.

She was immediately taken to the Centre Hospitalier Laurentien in Ste-Agathe, and was later transferred to the intensive care unit at the Hopital du Sacre-Coeur in Montreal. Liam, who had been filming in Toronto, rushed to be by his wife's side.

Natasha was flown to New York's Lenox Hill Hospital on Tuesday (17.03.09), where friends and family gathered to say goodbye.

Vanessa, Joely and Natasha's aunt Lynn Redgrave were all seen visiting her at the clinic.

A host of tributes to Natasha have flooded in following her passing.

Director Nick Moore, who worked with the actress on her final movie 'Wild Child', said: "I'm shocked and deeply saddened by this. She was wonderfully generous and kind - a complete joy to be with.

"All the kids in the movie loved being around her. She pitched in and was great with them. She led by example."

Lindsay Lohan, who starred alongside Natasha in 1998's 'The Parent Trap', has also expressed her sorrow.

She said: "She was a wonderful woman and actress and treated me like I was her own.

"I will miss her. My heart goes out to her family. This is a tragic loss."