Posted by Adam

Wednesday March 18, 2009

Natasha Richardson has died, aged 45.

The actress – who is married to Irish actor Liam Neeson – passed away Wednesday at New York City’s Lenox Hill Hospital.

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

Richardson – the daughter of Vanessa Redgrave and sister of Nip/Tuck star Joely Richardson – initially appeared unhurt after an “undramatic accident” on a beginners’ run at the Canadian resort of Mont Tremblant.

The Tony award-winning actress was taken ill an hour later.

She was later taken to the nearby Centre Hospitalier Laurentien before being transferred to the larger Hopital du Sacre-Coeur, in Montreal.

Neeson left the set of a movie he was filming in Toronto to be by his wife’s side.

“Liam Neeson left the Toronto set immediately to fly to Montreal upon news of his wife’s accident,” a rep for his film said in a statement to Canadian TV. “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.”

Richardson starred in a number of Hollywood films and acted opposite an 11-year-old Lindsay Lohan in 1998′s The Parent Trap.

She is better known for her work on the stage, winning a Tony award in 1998 for her starring role in Sam Mendes’ Broadway production of Cabaret.

In addition to Neeson, Richardson is survived by sons Michael, 13, and Daniel, 12.

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