Actress Natasha Richardson is brain dead – after falling in a ski accident in Canada – and is now on sad journey home to New York, friends told The Post today.
Richardson, who was being treated at a Montreal hospital, is being transported to New York this afternoon so her mom Vanessa Redgrave, two children and other loved ones can say goodbye before she’s taken off life-support, friends said.
Redgrave was in London when the accident happened but arrived in New York today to see her gravely injured daughter, sources said.
Liam Neeson, husband of the Broadway and screen star, left shooting of his movie in Toronto to rush to Richardson’s side in Montreal and now on the trip home.
The British-born Richardson, 45, fell during a private lesson at Mont Tremblant resort yesterday and allegedly told resort employees she felt fine.
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But an hour later, she complained of an extreme headache and was rushed to a nearby hospital.
Richardson was on a beginner’s slope and reportedly not wearing a helmet when she fell – although headgear is not required.
“She did not show any visible sign of injury but the ski patrol followed strict procedures and brought her back to the bottom of the slope and insisted she should see a doctor,” said a statement from the resort, which is almost 80 miles northwest of Montreal.
“Approximately an hour after the incident Mrs. Richardson was not feeling good.”
Richardson was initially taken to the Centre Hospitalier Laurentien in Sainte Agathe and was later transferred to Hopital du Sacre-Coeur in Montreal.
The actress – who is the elder daughter of Oscar-winner Vanessa Redgrave and late director Tony Richardson – comes from a long line of noted British players.
Maternal grandparents Michael Redgrave and Rachel Kempson, uncle and aunt Corin Redgrave and Lynn Redgrave are all actors.
Sister Joely Richardson currently has a recurring role in the FX show “Nip/Tuck.”
Natasha Richardson was mostly recently on TV as a guest judge on the Bravo hit “Top Chef.”
She also appeared in the 1994 movie “Nell” alongside future husband Neeson. They were married a short time later and they have two sons.
The elder son, Michael, 13, was with Richardson on the slopes, while the younger Daniel, 12, was here in New York when the accident happened, friends said.
Richardson reached her Broadway peak in 1998, winning the Tony for playing Sally Bowles in “Cabaret.”
Richardson is close friends with her ex-husband Robert Fox and he’s expected to be with her today.
With Post Wire Services