According to columnist Liz Smith, family members of Natasha Richardson were left with no choice but to take the actress off life support at 1:30 p.m. Richardson allegedly went brain dead sometime after suffering a critical brain injury while skiing in Canada on Monday and she was transported to New York yesterday.
Her family, including husband Liam Neeson, their two sons, and her mother Vanessa Redgave, have been gathered at Lenox Hill Hospital (only to be swarmed by paparazzi). The Post reports, according to friends, Meryl Streep and Joan Didion were at the hospital to "pay their final respects" while TMZ says Lauren Bacall was seen entering the hospital just before 4 p.m. A family friend told People, "There is no chance. It is a fact that her heart is beating but she is brain dead."
Update 8:30pm: The Times is reporting that Natasha Richardson has died. A spokesman released a statement, "Liam Neeson, his sons, and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha. They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time."
