Natasha Richardson is dead

Photo by: Andrew H. Walker/Getty

Natasha Richardson has died. The award winning actress, wife and mother was taken off life support and passed away today at New York City's Lenox Hill Hospital.

Richardson fell during a private lesson on a beginners trail Monday at the Mont Tremblant ski resort near Montreal. Her death was a sudden and sad loss for her family and friends, and for her many fans. Wife of actor Liam Neeson, and a member of the famous Redgrave acting family, the London born actress was beloved by all who knew her.

The British-born actress, who was not wearing a helmet, seemed fine at first: She had no visible injuries and was even laughing and joking after the accident.

Natasha Richardson was a member of the Redgrave acting dynasty.  She and husband Liam Neeson have two sons, Micheal, 13, and Daniel, 12 -- who were present Tuesday when she had the accident.

Natasha Richardson was the daughter of actress Vanessa Redgrave. Natasha's sister, Nip/Tuck star Joely Richardson, is known to U.S. audiences.  She was the niece of actress Lynn Redgrave.

After her father died of AIDS in 1991, Richardson took up the cause of fighting the disease. To raise money for amfAR, the Foundation for Aids Research, she recently appeared in an episode of Bravo's Top Chef, hosting a fund-raiser.

This is so sad. Say some prayers and send some good thoughts to Liam Neeson and those boys.