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Richardson Rejected Ski Helmet

$10 helmet could have saved actress' life

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 21, 2009 5:15 AM CDT

(Newser) – Natasha Richardson turned down a $10 ski helmet that could have saved her life, workers at the Mont Tremblant ski resort tell the Sun. Employees say the actress was cheerful but a little nervous ahead of the ski lesson that led to her fatal fall. She told staff she wasn't a good skier but declined the offer to rent protective headgear.

"Every skier is encouraged to wear a helmet, especially beginners like Natasha," an employee said. "But it is not legally enforced and they can always refuse."

Ski helmets on sale in a sport shop near Innsbruck, Austria.
Ski helmets on sale in a sport shop near Innsbruck, Austria.   (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader,File)
A ski helmet is tested in a helmet crash test machine in Fuerth, Germany.
A ski helmet is tested in a helmet crash test machine in Fuerth, Germany.   (AP Photo/ Julia Kellner)
Skiers, wearing helmets, watch as others finish a day on the slopes at Mont Tremblant, on Thursday, March 19, 2009.
Skiers, wearing helmets, watch as others finish a day on the slopes at Mont Tremblant, on Thursday, March 19, 2009.   (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Peter McCabe)
Natasha Richardson attends a private dinner hosted by Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana, Dec. 4, 2007. Richardson died Wednesday, aged 45, following a brain injury sustained during a ski accident.
Natasha Richardson attends a private dinner hosted by Domenico Dolce & Stefano Gabbana, Dec. 4, 2007. Richardson died Wednesday, aged 45, following a brain injury sustained during a ski accident.   (AP Photo/Evan Agostini, file)
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We are heartbroken that we didn't do more to persuade her to wear one. A helmet would have cost her just $10.
- a staff member at the Mont Tremblant ski resort

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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
AClotfelter
Mar 22, 2009 4:47 AM CDT
It's stupid for a beginner to turn down the helmet. A more experienced person could make a better judgment, but bad things can happen no matter your skill. In the end, she was an adult, and she made her decision.
Mr.C
Mar 21, 2009 5:48 AM CDT
woohoo FREEDOM OF CHOICE!!
 

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