Natasha Richardson is dead. Her husband just released an official statement announcing her death. Read about it below. Updated with autopsy results below.
A representative for Liam Neeson released a report at 7:54 p.m. today that Natasha Richardson has died. As we reported earlier, Richardson was said to have had an accident in Montreal, Canada on Monday. She collapsed, but walked back to her hotel under her own power. About an hour later she complained of a headache and not feeling well.
We wrote about her accident and condition on Monday. Since that time, there has been a lot of speculation as to her condition. There were reports that she had died and other reports that she was in a drug induced coma due to brain swelling. Meanwhile, her family and friends have been seen coming and going from the Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. While reports were grim, there was no official word one way or the other about her condition.
The family was said to be saying goodbye and struggling with the decision to disconnect her life support. Its now reported that she has died.
Richardson has been married to Liam Neeson since 1994. He was filming a movie in Toronto when she was injured. He flew to be with her immediately and the entire family gathered to be with her at the hospital in New York. Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson have two sons, 13-year-old Michael and 12-year-old Daniel Jack.
In the statement, Neeson writes that he and the boys are devastated and request privacy.
Alan Nierob, the Los Angeles-based publicist for Richardson’s husband Liam Neeson, confirmed her death in a written statement.
“Liam Neeson, his sons, 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.”
Update: Autopsy results show that Richardson died of an epidural hematoma due to a blunt impact to the head. That is bleeding between the brain and the skull. The bleeding causes the brain to swell, putting pressure on the brain stem that controls basic life functions such as breathing. Unless the pressure is relieved, it will result in death. If the injury is caught soon enough, surgeons can cut a hole in the skull to allow room for the swellings while the patient heals. Unfortunately, in this case that doesn’t appear to have been an option in this case.
Funeral arrangements for Richardson are being handled by New York City’s Greenwich Village Funeral Home.
Read more about her accident and see photos and a video of her.


March 18th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
I created a memorial for Natasha so people can leave their memories of her. Our hearts go out to Liam and their two sons.
http://www.ilasting.com/natasharichardson.php
March 19th, 2009 at 5:13 am
The Lasting Tribute website has updated its memorial pages to include Natasha Richardson.
http://www.lastingtribute.co.uk/tribute/richardson/3042550
It’s a respectful memorial to Natasha and somewhere to pay tribute to the family’s fortitude at this difficult time.
EVERY comment is monitored so that nothing offensive or inappropriate is published.
March 20th, 2009 at 6:47 am
Indeed it’s a tragedy. Natha’s sudden death is a loss for everyone.
We are so unfortunate to loose a talented actress like Natasha.
Dear Natasha, our thoughts and the prayers are always with you…!