Natasha Richardson Dies in Skiing Accident

[Pus$y Galore]

Just heard on my local news that Natasha Richardson, wife of Liam Neesan (sp?) is in critical condition in a Montreal hospital with a severe brain injury after a skiing accident in Quebec.

Let's pray she's alright. :(


UPDATE: Has now passed away on Wednesday, March 18th 8:30 p.m. EDST

[Marvo301]

That's really bad news. A similar injury killed Sonny Bono. I hope Natasha has a much better prognosis.:(

[*Pleasant Tomorrow*]

Ugh, I just heard about this. I hope she gets well soon. :(

[*Pleasant Tomorrow*]

Natasha Richardson Critically Injured in Ski Accident

Natasha Richardson has been critically injured in a skiing accident in Canada.

The English actress and wife of Irish native Liam Neeson suffered a traumatic brain injury, a source tells IrishCentral.com. Richardson was due to appear next year in a Broadway revival of A Little Night Music alongside her mother, Vanessa Redgrave.

It's yet to be determined whether or not Neeson is with Richardson at the Montreal hospital where she is being treated. The Oscar-nominated actor has had his own run-in with injury; Neeson suffered a broken pelvis in 2000 after his motorcycle collided with a deer outside New York City.

In addition to her scheduled stage performance, Richardson's TV and film credits include Evening, Maid in Manhattan and The Parent Trap, in which she starred opposite Dennis Quaid — and co-parented a pre-pubescent Lindsay Lohan.

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Natasha-Richardson-Critically-1004109.aspx

[Brian Damage]

I'll pray for her. Such a beautiful young woman.

[catlover79]

Poor thing. I'll pray for her and her family. :(

[Stuck In The '70's]

My prayers go to her and her family. :(

[browneyes106]

I'll keep her in my prayers. She is a very talented actress.

[PrettyinPink55]

I really hope she makes a speedy, full recovery!!!! :(

[Amanda Woodward]

Bad feeling bout this....which hopefully won't come true :(

[Superstar]

Details Emerge on Natasha Richardson's Accident
By Kathy Ehrich Dowd

Originally posted Tuesday March 17, 2009 01:25 PM EDT
Natasha Richardson

Photo by: Will Ragozzino / Getty

Actress Natasha Richardson, reportedly in serious condition with head trauma in a Montréal hospital after a ski accident Monday at Mont Tremblant, was walking around and feeling fine for an hour after her accident, a spokesperson from the ski resort says.

"She was laughing and joking and she walked to her room on her own," Mont Tremblant spokesperson Catherine Lacasse says.

The British-born Richardson, 45, was not wearing a ski helmet when she was taking a private ski lesson on the Nansen, a beginners' run at Mont Tremblant. When she was near the bottom of the run in a section known as the flats, she fell down. According to the spokeswoman, Richardson did not hit anyone or anything before coming to a stop.

"She was accompanied by an experienced ski instructor who immediately called the ski patrol," according to a statement from the resort.

Lacasse tells PEOPLE that there were no cuts, bleeding or other external signs of injury. Ski patrollers assisted Richardson and helped her to her room. She was not put on a stretcher.

About an hour after the fall, Richardson started complaining of headaches. She went to a nearby hospital and was later transferred to the Intensive Care Unit of Sacré Coeur Hospital. (A spokesperson for the hospital would not confirm or deny that Richardson was a patient there.)

According to AccessHollywoood.com, her husband, actor Liam Neeson, 56, was filming the movie Chloe in Toronto when he got the news and rushed to be by Richardson's side.

Richardson, who appeared in The Parent Trap, Maid in Manhattan and Nell has been married to Neeson since 1994. They have two sons, Micheal Richard Antonio, 13, and Daniel Jack, 12.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20266173,00.html

[Brent88]

NY Post is saying she's brain dead, but no one else is reporting that so far. Either way it doesn't sound good. :(

http://www.nypost.com/seven/03172009/news/worldnews/natasha_richardson_is_brain_dead_160027.htm

[browneyes106]

There are a lot of different stories about Natasha's injuries and details about the accident. There are even a few sites reporting that she died. Either way it is a bad situation.

[Zoneboy]

How can a person be fine one minute and brain dead the next?

Link (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,509586,00.html)

Natasha Richardson was reported to be "fine at first" after she hit her head in a skiing accident, but the 45-year-old actress' health began to deteriorate within an hour.

Now sources close to the Tony award-winning actress say she is brain dead and being flown back to New York, where she will be taken off life support.

“I can only speculate, but it sounds like something we call the ‘talk and die’ syndrome,” said Dr. Steven Flanagan, director of Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine at New York University’s Langone Medical Center.

“What this implies is that someone hits their head and they are seemingly OK initially," he told FOXNews.com. "But then they get a rapid collection of blood — usually called epidural hemorrhage — and that means bleeding between the skull and the brain.”

Richardson was reportedly in serious condition with a head injury after falling on a beginner's trail during a ski lesson at the Mont Tremblant ski resort in Quebec, Canada.

"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 resort said in a statement.

Mont Tremblant spokeswoman Catherine Lacasse said Richardson was getting a private lesson and that she said she was "fine at first."

"An hour later she said she didn't feel well. She had a headache, so we sent her to the hospital," Lacasse said. "There were no signs of impact and no blood, nothing."

Flanagan, who has not treated Richardson, said a person doesn't always show outward signs of trauma when suffering a head injury.

“When someone has bleeding between the skull and the brain, it basically presses on the brain, and if it presses enough… it can cause substantial damage and even death,” Flanagan told FOXNews.com.

“And presumably that’s what probably happened to her — but again, we’re speculating.”

Symptoms of an epidural hemorrhage include:

— Headache;

— Loss of consciousness;

— Weakness on one side of the body;

— A change in mental status

If the condition is not treated immediately, the person will fall into a coma and “it’s downhill from there,” Flanagan said.

“So you need to get the injury treated immediately,” he said.

“First we would do an emergency CAT scan to find out exactly where the hemorrhage is, and then the patient would need immediate surgery.”

While Flanagan said he doesn’t know exactly what kind of injury Richardson sustained, he said it would have to be a substantial blow to the head.

“If you bumped your head getting out of the car, this wouldn’t happen to you,” he said. “It would have to be a significant injury.”

[Brent88]

How can a person be fine one minute and brain dead the next?


That's what is strange to me as well. Doesn't seem like she hit anything like you would think in a major skiing accident. Weird. Life is so short. :(

[80sTrivia]

Has there been any updates on her condition? I really was hoping that her condition would begin to improve, but from the sound of things, it doesn't seem hopeful... :(

[Janice]

This is terrible news. I have a feeling she's gone, at least brain dead and will be taken off life support. I've heard of people surviving accidents, only to take a bad turn shortly after and often die. The model Nicki Taylor had a car accident a few years ago, and got out of the car and was talking to friends. She didn't feel well though, and turns out she had extensive liver damage. She almost died and was in the hospital for months. So sad, I really like Natasha Richardson, and I'm a huge fan of Liam Neeson's....ever since Schindler's List. My prayers are with their family.

This is a news story. I'm moving it to Chit Chat.

[Brent88]

Has there been any updates on her condition? I really was hoping that her condition would begin to improve, but from the sound of things, it doesn't seem hopeful... :(

I'm guessing if she was recovering they would be anxious to report that, so based on the fact we're only hearing bad news I agree with Janice, I think she's at best in critical condition but alive or at worst brain dead.

[Lee]

I hope Natasha does not die. I hope she recovers.

[Janice]

I'm guessing if she was recovering they would be anxious to report that, so based on the fact we're only hearing bad news I agree with Janice, I think she's at best in critical condition but alive or at worst brain dead.
Yeah, that's my reasoning too. I remember the night Princess Diana died. When news broke that she was injured in a car crash, the world went wild, just waiting for information. When, hours later, no news was being released, I just knew she died. I told my mother on the phone that I know she's gone. If there was hope, a hospital spokesperson would be outside talking to the press. Regarding Natasha, I so hope I'm wrong. Dear God, prove me wrong. I just watched a segment on Access Hollywood. They showed footage of her with her two sons, age 13 and 11. She was talking about her family. This is terribly sad.

[dawsongirl]

Head injuries are so scary. That's a sad way to lose someone.

[catlover79]

Yeah, that's my reasoning too. I remember the night Princess Diana died. When news broke that she was injured in a car crash, the world went wild, just waiting for information. When, hours later, no news was being released, I just knew she died. I told my mother on the phone that I know she's gone. If there was hope, a hospital spokesperson would be outside talking to the press. Regarding Natasha, I so hope I'm wrong. Dear God, prove me wrong. I just watched a segment on Access Hollywood. They shaowed footage of her with her two sons, age 13 and 11. She was talking about her family. This is terribly sad.
Good point. Didn't the same thing happen to Michael Kennedy?

[Brent88]

Yeah, that's my reasoning too. I remember the night Princess Diana died. When news broke that she was injured in a car crash, the world went wild, just waiting for information. When, hours later, no news was being released, I just knew she died. I told my mother on the phone that I know she's gone. If there was hope, a hospital spokesperson would be outside talking to the press. Regarding Natasha, I so hope I'm wrong. Dear God, prove me wrong. I just watched a segment on Access Hollywood. They showed footage of her with her two sons, age 13 and 11. She was talking about her family. This is terribly sad.

and not only that, but she had an amazing marriage which is so rare among celebrities these days. The whole thing is just tragic. My dad is the same age as her. She's fine one minute and near death a few hours later. Scary. :eek:

[JamesG]

According to what I have read, Time Out New York claimed Richardson had died because they were tipped off by a relative.

They later retracted this and made an apology. Everyone is going crazy with mis-information and rumors now.

[Janice]

Good point. Didn't the same thing happen to Michael Kennedy?
I think you're right, Monika. I remember that Michael Kennedy and Sonny Bono died the same way, kind of close together. It was bizarre. I had never heard of a celebrity dying that way, then two so close together.

[catlover79]

I think you're right, Monika. I remember that Michael Kennedy and Sonny Bono died the same way, kind of close together. It was bizarre. I had never heard of a celebrity dying that way, then two so close together.
I thought so. Did he die before or after John Jr.? (Speaking of, we're already coming up on the 10th anniversary of HIS passing. :eek:)

[*Pleasant Tomorrow*]

Ugh, this is terrible. What I don't understand is how this happened. I mean, from the way it's worded in news stories it sounds like she merely fell down, yet obviously it was worse than that for her to be in the condition she's in now. It's just unimaginable how fast it must've happened.

She's so young, her kids are young. God, I hope this turns out okay.

[Marvo301]

One news story I read says she tumbled down the hill.

[Janice]

Richardson Critical After Skiing Accident


Latest >> Doctor Speculates That Epidural Hemorrhage Caused Condition

(March 17) - British actress Natasha Richardson is in critical condition after she took a nasty tumble, causing serious head injuries, while skiing at a resort near Quebec.
There are, however, conflicting reports on her condition.

According to Time Out New York (http://www3.timeoutny.com/newyork/upstaged/2009/03/natasha-richardson-is-brain-dead/), Richardson's injuries have caused her serious brain damage and her close family is being informed of the news, but this has not been confirmed. The New York Post (http://www.nypost.com/seven/03172009/news/worldnews/natasha_richardson_is_brain_dead_160027.htm) quotes friends of the actress that also claim the star is in fact brain dead and that she is being moved to New York to be taken off life support.

However, a new story on TMZ (http://www.tmz.com/2009/03/17/natasha-richardson-flown-to-new-hospital/) claims she is being flown from Canada to a new hospital and that she is suffering from brain swelling.

"I can only speculate, but it sounds like something we call the 'talk and die' syndrome," Dr. Steven Flanagan, director of Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine at New York University’s Langone Medical Center tells FOXNews.com (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,509586,00.html).

"What this implies is that someone hits their head and they are seemingly OK initially," Dr. Flanagan explains. "But then they get a rapid collection of blood — usually called epidural hemorrhage — and that means bleeding between the skull and the brain."

The 45-year-old 'Nell' star and wife of Liam Neeson was brought to a Montreal hospital for treatment on Monday evening, as first reported by PEOPLE (http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20266061,00.html) and IrishCentral.com (http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Natasha-Richardson-near-death-after-ski-accident-41340947.html).

A ski patrol source tells TMZ (http://www.tmz.com/2009/03/17/natasha-richardson-seriously-injured-in-ski-accident/) that Richardson was having a private lesson on a beginner slope and fell. Two ski patrollers came to her rescue and said there was no blood and no sign of impact. She got up and said she was fine, smiling and making jokes. The Gazette (http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Richardson+hospitalized+Montreal/1397685/story.html) reports that Richardson was not wearing a ski helmet when she fell.

"She seemed to be fine and had no obvious injuries," resort spokeswoman Lyne Lortie told Radio-Canada. The patrol members escorted her back to the hotel and recommended she see a doctor.

"She walked back to her room, she insisted on going back to her room. About an hour later the instructor -- who had stayed with her to make sure everything was all right -- noticed that Ms. Richardson was not feeling well and called an ambulance," Lortie said.

At that point, she was taken to the hospital but was conscious when she left the resort.

Corin Redgrave, Richardson's uncle, told a newspaper: "I have heard this morning from a family representative about Natasha's accident and am very saddened."

Lortie said she was surprised by reports of a serious head injury because Richardson "spoke without any confusion, she knew where she was, she was in full control of herself ... there was no visible injury, no sign of impact."

Neeson left the set of the film 'Chloe' in Toronto to be with his wife, a rep for the movie announced on Monday night. "We do not have any details at this time but we hope for the best and our thoughts and prayers are with Natasha and Liam and their family," the statement read.

Richardson won a Tony award in 1998 for her role in 'Cabaret' and has numerous film credits including 'The Parent Trap' with Dennis Quaid, 'Blow Dry' and Ethan Hawke's 'Chelsea Walls.'

She is the daughter of legendary actress Vanessa Redgrave and producer Tony Richardson and has been married to Neeson since 1994. The couple have two sons.

[Janice]

I thought so. Did he die before or after John Jr.? (Speaking of, we're already coming up on the 10th anniversary of HIS passing. :eek:)
Michael died on New Year's Eve day, 1997. Sonny Bono died January 5th, 1998. They died the same week, the same way. :eek:

[catlover79]

Michael died on New Year's Eve day, 1997. Sonny Bono died January 5th, 1998. They died the same week, the same way. :eek:
I didn't realize they happened THAT closely. WOW. :eek:

[Liza]

I'm so very, very sorry to hear this. Her poor mother must be going crazy. I'm really hoping that this is all just blown way out of proportion and she'll turn out to be fine. The way the rumors are flying around, it's possible. I find it so disgusting that the media would publish someone had died without being 100% positive. :mad:

[Brent88]

Did she actually go to a hospital in New York? It seems like to me she went home since they aren't saying where she is which would mean she really is brain dead and there's no hope, going home to die essentially. I hope I'm wrong but that's what it sounds like to me. So sad. :(

BTW, the cable news channels are picking up on the brain dead part now. Awful. On FNC right now. ohno:

This is NOT being reported on TV yet or anywhere else, I just saw it:

NEW YORK, March 17 (UPI) -- Natasha Richardson died Tuesday, a day after suffering a head injury in a Canadian skiing accident, a source close to her family told OK!. She was 45.

The magazine said on its Web site that Richardson's loved ones decided to take her off life support Tuesday after she was declared brain dead.

"The family is devastated," the source told OK!

http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2009/03/17/Report_Natasha_Richardson_dead_at_45/UPI-37941237286961

[Janice]

I knew, but had forgoetten, that Natasha is Vanessa Redgrave's daughter. And Liza, I agree that the press had no right to report her death prematurely. Disgusting is right. ohno:

[Waterston_Fan]

I think there might be a lawsuit coming out of this..

[Janice]

Did she actually go to a hospital in New York? It seems like to me she went home since they aren't saying where she is which would mean she really is brain dead and there's no hope, going home to die essentially. I hope I'm wrong but that's what it sounds like to me. So sad. :(

BTW, the cable news channels are picking up on the brain dead part now. Awful. On FNC right now. ohno:

This is NOT being reported on TV yet or anywhere else, I just saw it:

NEW YORK, March 17 (UPI) -- Natasha Richardson died Tuesday, a day after suffering a head injury in a Canadian skiing accident, a source close to her family told OK!. She was 45.

The magazine said on its Web site that Richardson's loved ones decided to take her off life support Tuesday after she was declared brain dead.

"The family is devastated," the source told OK!

http://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2009/03/17/Report_Natasha_Richardson_dead_at_45/UPI-37941237286961
This thing is killing me. Even with what you posted, I still have hope. I think I'm in denial. I also wondered what hospital they sent her to, but we weren't told. My husband said that if she was that sick and they wanted to treat her, she wouldn't be transported. He said the same thing as you. They sent her home to die.

[Brent88]

This thing is killing me. Even with what you posted, I still have hope. I think I'm in denial. I also wondered what hospital they sent her to, but we weren't told. My husband said that if she was that sick and they wanted to treat her, she wouldn't be transported. He said the same thing as you. They sent her home to die.

I'm really skeptical of that story. I just did a big Google search and it's the ONLY article saying she's dead and I think it's a tabloid. Until a reliable source reports it I don't believe it, but I stick by what I said earlier, I think she's on her deathbed.

http://www.tmz.com/2009/03/17/redgrave-visits-richardson-in-hospital/ <<<Maybe she is in a hospital. The whole thing is confusing.

[Dragonflies]

OMG such heartbreaking news! I'll keep her and her loved ones in my thoughts and prayers :(

Such a beautiful woman and a great actress, loved her in "Parent Trap"

The media is making a mess of this whole thing :mad:

[PrettyinPink55]

This is so sad. I really was hoping some type of miracle would occur and she would be okay. But I don't know what to think with all the conflicting news reports.

Such a beautiful young actress and mother...it just makes you think about the fragilty of life. :(

[Janice]

Natasha Richardson Hospitalized in New York, Family at Her Side


http://images.eonline.com/eol_images/Entire_Site/20090317/293.richardson.natasha.031709.jpg

Natasha Richardson, in critical condition after injuring her head in a skiing accident (http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b104720_natasha_richardson_hospitalized_after.html) Monday afternoon in Montreal, has arrived in New York.

While friends and family gathered Monday evening for a vigil in NYC, where Richardson and husband Liam Neeson (http://www.eonline.com/celebrities/profile/index.jsp?uuid=2ea20850-4de0-41f7-8ad6-aa2c42981e25) call home, the 45-year-old actress' mum, Oscar winner Vanessa Redgrave, was photographed heading to Lenox Hill Hospital, presumably to be by her daughter's side.

"I was informed by the family's rep…she has left Canada and the family should give [out] more information by tomorrow," a rep for Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal told E! News Tuesday.

Varying reports have circulated about Richardson's current condition, which sources tell the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/18/theater/18richardson.html?_r=1&hp) is serious. The family is said to be highly distressed.

We have been told that, after her fall during a private lesson on a beginner's slope at the Mont Tremblant ski resort, Richardson walked away seemingly unscathed.

"[Richardson] was accompanied by an experienced ski instructor who immediately called the ski patrol," a statement from the Mont Tremblant resort said. "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."

Resort spokeswoman Catherine Lacasse said that the actress was not wearing a ski helmet for her lesson. Reports say she was with her two sons with Neeson, Micheal Richard Antonio, 13, and Daniel Jack, 12, and returned to her hotel room shortly afterward.

"She was laughing and joking, and she walked to her room on her own," Lacasse said.

An hour later, Richardson fell ill with a headache. She reportedly was conscious upon leaving for the hospital. Richardson was transferred to Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal at about 5 p.m. after initially being taken to Centre Hospitalier Laurentien, which is close to the tony ski resort in Quebec.

Neeson, who was filming a movie in Toronto, was by her side as quickly as possible.

"Liam Neeson left the Toronto set immediately to fly to Montreal upon news of his wife's accident," the star's rep said in a statement.

The couple left the hospital together via ambulance at about 12:30 p.m. and were taken to Elliott Trudeau Airport to board a private flight back to New York.

[Janice]

This is so sad. I really was hoping some type of miracle would occur and she would be okay. But I don't know what to think with all the conflicting news reports.

Such a beautiful young actress and mother...it just makes you think about the fragilty of life. :(
So very ture. All the money or fame in the world doesn't protect a person from that fragility of life. Poor John Travolta and his wife, Christopher Reeve, John Ritter, Linda McCartney, Princess Diana, JFK Jr., the list just goes on and on. Vibrant people, happy, living their lives, they didn't want to die. Still, when it's your time, it's your time. :(

[James"Thunder"Early]

This is so sad :(

[Waterston_Fan]

A private flight? Is that even a good idea if she isn't stabalized? That makes it sound like she isn't as injured as we all thought.

[HuntingtonM15]

I really hope that she is able to recover from whatever it is. It seems pretty bad, but then again there really isn't any information confirming one way or the other. It seems that each news story that comes out is just repeating the same thing over and over.

[LuLu Rogers]

This is really sad, I know Liam must be going crazy. :(


Janice, you said she's Vanessa Redgrave's daughter, is Vanessa any relation to Lynn Redgrave?

[JamesG]

This is really sad, I know Liam must be going crazy. :(


Janice, you said she's Vanessa Redgrave's daughter, is Vanessa any relation to Lynn Redgrave?

Sisters.

[LuLu Rogers]

Sisters.

Thanks, I was thinking they might be, but I wasn't sure.

[Brent88]

Taken off life support according to a legendary NYC columnist.

http://www.tmz.com/2009/03/18/natasha-richardson-life-support-plug-pulled/

RIP :(

[browneyes106]

Taken off life support according to a legendary NYC columnist.

http://www.tmz.com/2009/03/18/natasha-richardson-life-support-plug-pulled/

RIP :(

It does sound believable. RIP Natasha.

[Liza]

I don't believe it. I'm not going to believe it until we hear from the family. Someone saying that someone else said isn't good enough for me, and I'm still holding out hope.

+Get well and God bless, Natasha +

[Liza]

Thanks, I was thinking they might be, but I wasn't sure.

Vanessa, Lynn, and Corin Redgrave are all the children of Sir Michael Redgrave, a brilliant actor. Jemma Redgrave is Natasha's cousin.

[*Pleasant Tomorrow*]

I don't believe it. I'm not going to believe it until we hear from the family. Someone saying that someone else said isn't good enough for me, and I'm still holding out hope.

+Get well and God bless, Natasha +
Same here.

[Janice]

http://www.popeater.com/movies/article/natasha-richardson-ski-accident/385331


Natasha Richardson Dies at 45

NEW YORK (March 18) — A spokesman for the family of Natasha Richardson says the actress has died.

Richardson, a gifted and precocious heiress to acting royalty whose career highlights included the film "Patty Hearst" and a Tony-winning performance in a stage revival of "Cabaret," died after suffering an apparent head injury from a skiing accident. She was 45.

Alan Nierob of Rogers & Cowan said in a statement Wednesday night: "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."

[Pus$y Galore]

I hate to discuss her demise prematurely too and may be in denial myself so for now, I'm holding out hope. It's (remotely) possible that they placed a shunt or removed part of her skull in Montreal, however, even with that done, they would be taking a huge risk flying her anywhere. I did hear of the NYC hospital, and it's not a well known one (at least imo). (cabin pressurization, etc. could kill her immediately). Too me, they could be considering organ donation, or whatever, but it doesn't look good from anything I can find or hear.

They said the family would issue a statement today, and maybe the delay is good news so let's keep the prayers going and some hope.

[Pus$y Galore]

http://www.popeater.com/movies/article/natasha-richardson-ski-accident/385331

Natasha Richardson Dies at 45

NEW YORK (March 18) — A spokesman for the family of Natasha Richardson says the actress has died.

Richardson, a gifted and precocious heiress to acting royalty whose career highlights included the film "Patty Hearst" and a Tony-winning performance in a stage revival of "Cabaret," died after suffering an apparent head injury from a skiing accident. She was 45.

Alan Nierob of Rogers & Cowan said in a statement Wednesday night: "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."

Oh geez, just as I was posting and hoping.

So sorry to hear. This is horrible. :(

My condolences to her entire family and loved ones. RIP

[Brent88]

How sad. :( RIP

[*Pleasant Tomorrow*]

Ugh, and I was really holding on to hope. It's so sad and so sudden. :( RIP.

[Cactus Jack]

RIP :(

[Faith]

RIP Natasha :(

[catlover79]

I am so sorry to hear this. God bless her husband, kids, mom and the rest of her loved ones. A beautiful and talented lady gone way too soon. :rip:

[Dragonflies]

People.com:

Natasha Richardson has died after suffering head injuries from a fall on a Canadian ski slope Monday. She was 45.

Her family released the following statement:

"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."

RIP Natasha :(

[dakert]

If you love someone dont suggest skiing

RIP Natasha

[Marvo301]

:rip: Natasha Richardson. You left us way too soon.

[JamesG]

If you love someone dont suggest skiing

RIP Natasha

Every contact sport/activity contains a risk factor, unfortunately. That's the way it is.

Skiing is no better or worse than rock climbing, water skiing, bungee jumping... it's all dangerous.

[Liza]

And just like that, she was gone.

I can't believe it. Such a beautiful, talented woman who had a great marriage and never did anything wrong. It's such a freak accident...

God bless her, and may He look after her family. I can't imagine what her poor mum must be going through.

:crying:

[Liza]

If you love someone dont suggest skiing

It's not like she was doing anything wrong, or even dangerous really. She was on the beginner's hill with a qualified instructor. It was just a freak accident.

[Scoobiedoo30]

Rest in Peace

[steevo]

RIP, Natasha.:rip:

My prayers go out to Liam and the children. :(

[Jude The Obscure]

Very very sad, indeed.....45 is way too young.

[Ohio8]

:rip:

[LoveMrsG]

:( Man, life sucks! Such a beautiful lady...my prayers to her loved ones. What everybody is saying is so true...life is so incredibly short. I'm so sorry to hear this.

[Stuck In The '70's]

It's so tragic. She was so beautiful and was a very talented actress. Life is so fragile. Nobody really knows what tomorrow will bring. My prayers go to her family. R.I.P. Natasha. You left us far too soon. :(

[Brent88]

If you love someone dont suggest skiing

RIP Natasha

Skiing isn't anymore dangerous than most outdoor activities. I tried to ski several years ago and nearly killed myself, it just wasn't my cup of tea but I know a lot of people love it, and this shouldn't stop someone. It's an isolated incident out of the thousands who ski.

[OH Nuts!]

I's so sad and sickened to hear of Natasha Richardson's untimely passing. It is indeed a truly scary reminder of the fragility of life.

My deepest condolences to her family and friends. She was a bright and shining star (in many ways). She will be deeply missed on so many levels.

[Zoneboy]

http://i384.photobucket.com/albums/oo283/tzgames/ScreenHunter_01Mar182310.gif

[LuLu Rogers]

My prayers go out to her family, so young :( :rip:

[Lee]

I was so hoping she would recover

Rest in peace, Natasha

[Yooch]

My heart goes out to her family. I was praying for her recovery as well.

[browneyes106]

RIP Natasha. My heart goes out to Liam, Vanessa, Lynn, Joely and Natasha's two boys.

[Zoneboy]

Link (http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/03/19/arts/NA-Canada-Obit-Richardson-Paramedics.php#)

MONTREAL: An ambulance sent to the ski hill where actress Natasha Richardson suffered a fatal fall on Monday was turned away, a paramedic said.

Richardson, who suffered a head injury while taking a beginners ski course, died at age 45 on Wednesday.

Yves Coderre, director of operations at the emergency services company which sent the medics to the Mont Tremblant resort, told Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper Wednesday that ski patrollers requested an ambulance after Richardson fell.

Paramedics responded, but when they arrived they were told they were not needed, said Coderre, whose company, Ambulances Radisson, serves Mont Tremblant.

"They never saw the patient," Coderre told the Globe and Mail. "So they turned around."


Messages left by The AP with Coderre at Ambulances Radisson and Mont Tremblant ski resort were not immediately returned. It wasn't immediately clear who sent the ambulance away or why, but a resort spokeswoman said Tuesday that Richardson initially said that she was fine.

Richardson died Wednesday at a New York hospital. A statement from the family did not give details of the precise cause of death.

Coderre said victims of head trauma often believe they are fine, a mistake that can cost them their lives.

"When you have a head trauma you can bleed. It can deteriorate in a few hours or a few days," he said.

"People don't realize it can be very serious. We warn them they can die and sometimes they start to laugh. They don't take it seriously."

Messages left with Ambulances Radisson and Mont Tremblant ski resort were not immediately returned.

Coderre said another ambulance was called later to Richardson's five-star hotel near the base of Mont Tremblant. By that point, she was conscious but "wasn't in good shape" and was rushed to hospital.

She was eventually moved to a Montreal hospital before being transferred to New York.

The resort issued a statement Tuesday that said that Richardson didn't appear hurt and was walking around shortly after the incident.

"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," said a statement from the resort, which is about 80 miles (128 kilometers) northwest of Montreal.

The ski resort said the instructor and a ski patrol accompanied the actress to her hotel, where they again recommended she should be seen by a doctor.

[PrettyinPink55]

This is just so sad. :(

May she rest in peace. :(

[Lee]

Link (http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/03/19/arts/NA-Canada-Obit-Richardson-Paramedics.php#)

MONTREAL: An ambulance sent to the ski hill where actress Natasha Richardson suffered a fatal fall on Monday was turned away, a paramedic said.

Richardson, who suffered a head injury while taking a beginners ski course, died at age 45 on Wednesday.

Yves Coderre, director of operations at the emergency services company which sent the medics to the Mont Tremblant resort, told Canada's Globe and Mail newspaper Wednesday that ski patrollers requested an ambulance after Richardson fell.

Paramedics responded, but when they arrived they were told they were not needed, said Coderre, whose company, Ambulances Radisson, serves Mont Tremblant.

"They never saw the patient," Coderre told the Globe and Mail. "So they turned around."


Messages left by The AP with Coderre at Ambulances Radisson and Mont Tremblant ski resort were not immediately returned. It wasn't immediately clear who sent the ambulance away or why, but a resort spokeswoman said Tuesday that Richardson initially said that she was fine.

Richardson died Wednesday at a New York hospital. A statement from the family did not give details of the precise cause of death.

Coderre said victims of head trauma often believe they are fine, a mistake that can cost them their lives.

"When you have a head trauma you can bleed. It can deteriorate in a few hours or a few days," he said.

"People don't realize it can be very serious. We warn them they can die and sometimes they start to laugh. They don't take it seriously."

Messages left with Ambulances Radisson and Mont Tremblant ski resort were not immediately returned.

Coderre said another ambulance was called later to Richardson's five-star hotel near the base of Mont Tremblant. By that point, she was conscious but "wasn't in good shape" and was rushed to hospital.

She was eventually moved to a Montreal hospital before being transferred to New York.

The resort issued a statement Tuesday that said that Richardson didn't appear hurt and was walking around shortly after the incident.

"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," said a statement from the resort, which is about 80 miles (128 kilometers) northwest of Montreal.

The ski resort said the instructor and a ski patrol accompanied the actress to her hotel, where they again recommended she should be seen by a doctor.

Why would someone ignore their own health like that?

[dawsongirl]

Why would someone ignore their own health like that?
Maybe it didn't seem that bad to her at the time. I assume she would have agreed to medical care at the time if she had a bad headache or something.

[Superstar]

Such a sad story, I've always liked her.

RIP Natasha :(

[80sTrivia]

So very sad to hear of Natasha's untimely passing... my heart definitely goes out to Liam and their children... :(

[DLevine2]

R.I.P.-Natasha. :rip: :crying:

[Penny Lane]

Oh! This is so sad! The older that I get the more I realize how fragile life is.:(

[MonarC]

I have to be honest, I don't know who she is. When I heard about this sad & tragic news it made me sad. My heart goes out to her loved ones. :(

[Pus$y Galore]

Why would someone ignore their own health like that?

Many people do. To me, it's pretty obvious that the officials at Mont Tremblant were taking proper care of her from the start. Sounds like she initially refused to go to hospital to make sure everything was o.k. because she thought she was fine. It wasn't until she got the headache that she realized she did need emergency medical attention. They can't force someone to get treatment if they don't want it (they can even be sued for forcing treatment).

It's tough to say if they could have even saved her then. I know the hospital they took her too in Montreal has an excellent reputation and would have had all the MRI's and CTScans needed.

I wouldn't be surprised if they look at passing a law that helmuts be worn all the time on ski hills, etc.. I know last year they were talking about making kids wear helmuts for tobogganing which I thought was stupid, but now it starts making a little more sense when you can see how easily these injuries can happen.

[Zoneboy]

Link (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090319/ap_en_ce/canada_richardson_helmet_law;_ylt=Ak1Fp5r_L11TJKfUIKWUMIRxFb8C)

Quebec is considering making helmets mandatory on ski slopes following the death of actress Natasha Richardson and after doctors tried to persuade the province's sports minister to do it.

A spokesman for the sports minister says Thursday that Richardson's death at a Quebec resort has added impetus to the province's plans.

Jean-Pascal Bernier says the minister met with emergency room doctors this week and will meet with Quebec ski resort owners and operators in the coming weeks.

Richardson fell Monday while taking a beginners ski course and died Wednesday in a New York hospital. A statement from the family did not give details of the precise cause of death.

Emergency room doctors in the province first called for mandatory use of helmets three weeks ago.

[catlover79]

^ I hope the law passes. It's just too bad that a tragedy like this has to wake people up.

[Pus$y Galore]

It probably will pass now. I know Ontario's been talking about it recently too. So sad she had to die for this to come up again in talks. Maybe if they look at this now, her death won't be in vain.

I know a lot of people aren't going to like wearing helmuts - especially seasoned skiiers, but when you think of it, I'm surprised it hasn't been that way from the beginning. You're hurtling down a hill at amazing speeds for a human body so why wouldn't you think of protecting your head?

I hope people don't start trying to put blame on the ski resort for this one. It sounds as though they did exactly what they were supposed to do in this case and took the best care they could for her. It is a world renowned ski resort and one of the best in Canada.

Very sad.

[Sharop]

I've been following this story even though I haven't posted until now. It really is horribly sad.

What's disgusting is that as usual on IMDB, groups of cruel, nasty, disrespectful people have made their way to her message board and generally been causing trouble and making nasty comments which has naturally upset those IMDB members who were fans and simply wanted to mourn her death and show their respect.

Apparently a group of them were from the notorious website 4chan and had planned the invasion of the board.

It truly is disgusting how low some people are. A fellow human being has died and all they can think to do is flock to this person's forum and make cruel, nasty comments.

[Pus$y Galore]

^ I saw the same thing yesterday on a news article about Ed McMahon. It just made me sick - making all these jokes about him. Don't these people realize there's family members out there? This was on the main Yahoo site too - not like you had to dig for it.

[Courtnee]

Oh, that's so sad. :(

[Sharop]

^ I saw the same thing yesterday on a news article about Ed McMahon. It just made me sick - making all these jokes about him. Don't these people realize there's family members out there? This was on the main Yahoo site too - not like you had to dig for it.

Exactly - and even if relatives and friends of the deceased didn't see this kind of thing, the complete lack of respect is appalling. They should be shown some respect simply for being fellow human beings! I do agree that respect should be earned, however, I do feel that every person is entitled to, and should be given, a basic level of respect for the simple fact that they are a fellow human being living on this planet. I think everyone is entitled to that basic level of respect and that basic respect doesn't need to be earned.

The people that troll message boards with their nasty comments can't even afford that basic respect to someone. I really cannot fathom how or why someone would be so nasty.

[catlover79]

I remember way back when imdb didn't have message boards - I think it was better that way!!

[Sharop]

I remember way back when imdb didn't have message boards - I think it was better that way!!

It wouldn't be so bad if the boards were properly regulated and there were some people to moderate each one - although there are so many message boards that I suppose it would be difficult to get so many people to do the job.

I think it's partly because IMDB is primarily a website for information about actors/actresses/films/TV and the boards seem to be more of a secondary feature. Unfortunately people are pretty much able to say and do as they like on them. Posts will be deleted if reported but there need to be stricter measures put into place.

[catlover79]

^ I agree there. They have a zillion message boards and not nearly enough people there to properly moderate them. It's an issue that's gone on for YEARS. ohno:

[Yooch]

The news confirmed my worst fears. I pray for comfort for her family.

[Liza]

What I find the worst of this is that they're not just on Natasha's board - they're on her family's boards. I can't believe anyone could possibly post rude things to Vanessa Redgrave right now. The woman's heart must be completely broken - she's lost her daughter - I don't know how she had the strength to even breathe. How can anyone think that's funny?

[Pus$y Galore]

I know, it just makes me sick. Talk about the dark side of people.

How would they feel if a loved one of theirs was made fun of while dying or because of how they died.

Or better yet, how about it happening to them - complete strangers making cracks about their health or death. How anyone can find humour in that is way beyond me.

I'm not even a "fan" of Natasha (not that I didn't like her, just wasn't all that familar with her work) but I still felt badly when it happened.

It's a sick, sick world out there. I'm glad we have SO and good moderators so we don't have to put up with that crap much.

[Lee]

I'm glad we have SO and good moderators so we don't have to put up with that crap much.


I believe that the SO message boards are the best on the internet.

[Pus$y Galore]

I believe that the SO message boards are the best on the internet.

I totally agree Lee. That's the reason I've stayed here. I'm not a member of any other forum. I'll post comments on YouTube, but rarely read the other comments because people can be such a$$holes. I come here for enjoyment, not to get my blood pressure raised for no real good reason.


People forget that it's quite possible former stars come here to see comments about their heyday, or their relatives do. For all we know, there could well be celebs that are members among us. How would we ever know? This is one of the larger t.v. forums on the web so the more popular it becomes, the more chance of our comments being seen by those we enjoyed the work of.

[Jenya]

Link (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090319/ap_en_ce/canada_richardson_helmet_law;_ylt=Ak1Fp5r_L11TJKfUIKWUMIRxFb8C)

Quebec is considering making helmets mandatory on ski slopes following the death of actress Natasha Richardson and after doctors tried to persuade the province's sports minister to do it.

A spokesman for the sports minister says Thursday that Richardson's death at a Quebec resort has added impetus to the province's plans.


What's a 'Sports Minister'? I lived in Quebec for 2 years and I never heard of a 'Sports Minister'.

Even if Quebec passed a law requiring everybody to wear helmets, that doesn't change the laws in the United States or in other Canadian provinces. It is up to you to wear a helmet. There is no law in Quebec for bike riders to wear helmets, By the way.

My prayers are for Mr. Neeson's Family, by the way. Must be hard for the children these days. :(

[Brad Russ]

I was extremely saddened to hear about this. May she rest in eternal peace!!! :(

[Pus$y Galore]

What's a 'Sports Minister'? I lived in Quebec for 2 years and I never heard of a 'Sports Minister'.

:(

Every province has a sports minister assigned in provincial parliament. (who do you think worked with the Olympic committee for the 1976 Montreal Olympics)?

Besides, they're not just talking about the helmut law for Quebec - they're talking about it for all of North America.

I don't think you'll see it pass. Like hockey, they'll say that it impedes their vision and that's more important. In a sense, it's just the risk you take when you enjoy sports like this. I think before this we just thought of people getting injured when racing down hills or doing stunts, but it can happen at any time. Let's face it, you could trip over a curb on the sidewalk, fall in the right spot and have the same sort of head trauma as Natasha did.