Natasha Richardson Dies After Skiing Accident: Richardson Taken Off Life Support (Photos)

Posted on March 18, 2009

Natasha Richardson, an award-winning actress and member of the Redgrave acting family, died Wednesday after injuries from a skiing accident. Natasha Richardson was taken off life support and died at age 45.

Natasha Richardson, wife to actor Liam Neeson, fell on a ski slope at a Quebec resort. While the injury did not seem serious at first, she developed a headache and was taken to the hospital. Richardson was taken off life support today and died at age 45.

Richardson’s family released a statement 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.”

According to a statement from Mont Tremblant Ski Resort, Richardson fell during a lesson on a beginners’ trail.

“She did not show any visible sign of injury, but the ski patrol followed strict procedures and brought her back to the bottom of the slope and insisted she should see a doctor,” the statement said.

Natasha Richardson even joked around about the fall and at first refused treatment. But an hour after the fall she was “not feeling good,” the statement said. Richardson was taken to a local hospital before being transferred to Hopital du Sacre-Coeur in Montreal. Then Richardson was transferred to Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

From the famed Redgrave family, Natasha Richardson had acting in her blood. Her grandfather, Sir Michael Redgrave, was a famed British actor. Her mother, Vanessa Redgrave, is an Oscar-winning actress, and her father Tony Richardson was a director.

Natasha Richardson’s first movie role was a small part in her father’s “The Charge of the Light Brigade” (1968), made when she was only 4. But Natasha’s break through role was as Mary Shelley in Ken Russell’s film “Gothic.” Shortly thereafter Natasha played Patty Hearst in 1988.

Natasha Richardson’s other movies included”The Handmaid’s Tale” (1990); the TV movie “Zelda” (1993); “Nell” (1994), alongside Neeson, whom she married in 1994; the 1998 remake of “The Parent Trap”; and “Wild Child” (2008).

Richardson won a Tony for her performance as Sally Bowles in the 1998 revival of “Cabaret” and earned raves for her Blanche DuBois in a 2005 production of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” She was scheduled to perform in a revival of Stephen Sondheim’s “A Little Night Music” later this year.

Natasha and actor-husband Liam Neeson have two sons, Michael and Daniel. Richardson’s first marriage was to Robert Fox in the early 90’s.

Our condolences to the family, friends, and many fans in this tragic loss.

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