Richardson Off Life Support

Head injury from ski fall caused delayed bleeding in the brain

(NEWSER) - The head injury Natasha Richardson sustained in a skiing accident produced what doctors call "walk and die" syndrome, a UCLA neurologist tells the Los Angeles Times. Patients in such cases at first seem fine, walking and talking normally, but they swiftly deteriorate due to delayed bleeding from an artery in the brain, which can push the brain left or right and leak into the brainstem. More»

(AP) - Natasha 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 yesterday at age 45 after suffering a head injury during a ski lesson. It was a sudden and horrifying loss for her family and friends, and for the film and theater communities. More»

Celeb's ski accident renews debate on safety gear

(NEWSER) - Natasha Richardson’s crippling accident while taking beginner's lessons has renewed the ski-helmet debate, the New York Times reports. Safety gear is more popular today—43% of Americans donned helmets last ski season, up from 25% 5 years prior—but still not required. Critics point out that fatalities haven’t decreased despite the precaution, and they worry that perceived security could encourage more reckless behavior. More»

Actress in critical condition

(NEWSER) - Natasha Richardson is in critical condition following a ski accident in Canada, reports Irish Central. The actress and wife of Liam Neeson suffered a traumatic brain injury and was admitted to a Montreal hospital. “Neeson left the Toronto set immediately to fly to Montreal upon news of his wife’s accident,” said a rep for Neeson’s latest film, Chloe. More»

Richardson's death adds to misfortunes of acting dynasty

(NEWSER) - Natasha Richardson's death has added a grim chapter to a history of misfortunes in the Redgrave family, the Telegraph reports. Various marital failures and controversies have often led to speculation about a Redgrave "curse"—something Richardson always dismissed. Richardson herself went through an acrimonious divorce; when she married Liam Neeson, she once said, "I was told our marriage would be cursed." More»