Natasha Richardson Pronounced Dead Family Releases Statement

The British actress suffered her fatal injury while skiing on this slope at Mont Tremblant in Quebec, which attracts wealthy families and the famous.

Liam Neeson and his family have just released the following statement about the passing of Natasha Richardson:

"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."

The statement was issued by Neeson's publicist Alan Nierob in Los Angeles.

The actress suffered what was described as 'irreversible and profound brain injuries'.
One family member who saw Natasha in hospital yesterday came out and said: 'I saw her, she's gone.' Neeson said that he wanted all those who knew and loved her to come and 'say goodbye'.

The 45-year-old actress was flown to a hospital in New York after a fall in the Canadian resort of Mont Tremblant on Monday.

Her family, including mother Vanessa Redgrave and husband Neeson, had gathered at her bedside in the Lenox Hill Hospital, where she was kept on a life support machine.

Miss Richardson had been taking a private ski lesson at the resort when she fell on a 'green' slope, suitable for beginners. She was at the bottom of the run in an area known as The Flats during the afternoon lesson, when she tumbled down the hill.

Initially Miss Richardson, who was not wearing a helmet, appeared unhurt. She got up laughing and refused to see a doctor, witnesses said, even signing a medical form saying she did not need help. But an hour after returning to her hotel room, the Tony award-winning actress began to experience severe headaches and was taken to hospital.

She received emergency treatment at the Centre Hospitalier Laurentien, nearby, and was then transferred to Montreal's Sacre Coeur Hospital. Neeson immediately flew from the set of his latest film, Chloe, in Toronto, to be near her, when he heard about the accident. The actor, 56, was seen escorting his wife as she was taken by ambulance from hospital in Montreal to the airport.

Her family rushed to be at her bedside yesterday as she lay unconscious in intensive care.

Her mother arrived with her head bowed and covered by a scarf, followed by daughter Joely Richardson and granddaughter Daisy, along with actress aunt Lynn Redgrave and Natasha's sons Michael, 13 and Daniel, 12.

Vanessa Redgrave, the 72-year-old Oscar-winning actress, was already in Manhattan, comforting the couple's sons, who had been in Canada on the holiday, but were then flown home.
A friend said: 'Vanessa's distraught as you would imagine but she's being strong for the boys.'