Actress Natasha Richardson is brain dead After Innocent Fall at Mont Tremblant

File this story under the sad and bizarre category. Actress Natasha Richardson, the wife of actor Liam Neeson and daughter of Vanessa Redgrave, is brain dead after a fall while skiing in Canada at Mont Tremblant. She is being flown back home to New York to be with family and friends so that they can say their goodbyes before she is taken off life support. Normally one would say this is sad but accidents do occur while skiing like in the case of tragic skiing death of Sonny Bono and Michael Kennedy. However, in the case of Natasha Richardson, the accident took place on a beginners bunny slope and she was not wearing a helmet. This needs to be a lesson to all whether beginning to ski, roller blade or skate board, please wear a helmet.

The British-born Richardson, 45, fell during a private lesson at Mont Tremblant resort yesterday and allegedly told resort employees she felt fine. But an hour later, she complained of an extreme headache and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Richardson was on a beginner’s slope and reportedly not wearing a helmet when she fell – although headgear is not required.

“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 almost 80 miles northwest of Montreal. “Approximately an hour after the incident Mrs. Richardson was not feeling good.” Conflicting reports Tuesday night had actress Natasha Richardson “brain dead Natasha Richardson: One of the Good Guys

She is considered one of the good guys, a welcome presence as a New York transplant on the Upper West Side. With actor Liam Neeson she was certainly a “power couple,” and with their sons, Michael, 13, and Daniel, 12, the Neesons were a popular addition to any event.

UPDATE I: Natasha Richardson May Have Suffered ‘Talk and Die’ Syndrome

UPDATE II: Natasha Richardson dies at 45 following ski accident

45 year old Natasha Richardson has passed away at the age of 45 after suffering a head injury during a ski accident in Canada. Alan Nierob, the Los Angeles-based publicist for Richardson’s husband Liam Neeson, confirmed her death in a written statement. Our prayers go out to the friends and family of Natasha Richardson.

“Liam Neeson, his sons (Micheal and Daniel), and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha,” the statement said. “They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time.”

Family ‘Shocked, Devastated’ Over Death of Actress Natasha Richardson