Just on the off-chance you thought the end of 2008 was the end of bizarre, unexpected celebrity deaths, well – you’re wrong. Natasha Richardson, daughter of Vanessa Redgrave and wife of award-winning actor Liam Neeson, has passed away after falling during a skiing lesson.
Many veteran skiers who’ve never so much as broken a wrist view this whole situation with a certain measure if disbelief. No one wants to believe it’s that easy to die. But as resilient as the human body can be, it’s also extremely fragile – particularly around the head.
According to eyewitness reports, Richardson seemed fine immediately after the fall, but began to rapidly deteriorate later. According to those who deal with brain injuries, this is quite common: Richardson likely fractured her skull on impact, causing internal bleeding and swelling that didn’t show symptoms until later. Though she received treatment relatively quickly, ultimately, there was nothing that could be done to reverse the damage.
It was a sudden and unlikely death for the forty-five-year-old actress, who was a member of the acclaimed Redgrave family. She married Liam Neeson in 1994, the two of them defying Hollywood odds and staying together for fifteen years. They had two children, one in 1995 and one in 1996. The family is now gathering to mourn their loss.
In a 2004 article on his role in “Kinsey,” Neeson spoke about his marriage to Richardson.
Though Neeson once said of marriage, “I never believed I could do it, ever,” he’s now a family guy who got Kinsey’s shoot moved to New York City from Toronto in order to stay close to home. Richardson, 41, is a serious cook and, says Neeson, “sitting down to eat in our house, talking about the day, is very important.” His wife is equally committed. “This business is rough,” she has said. “You get used to doing your own thing and not having to make the compromises you do as a couple.”
The thoughts and prayers of entertainment fans everywhere are with the family as they cope with this tragedy. Rest in peace, Natasha Richardson.
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