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Natasha Richardson, a Tony Award-winning actress whose career melded glamorous celebrity with the bloodline of theater royalty, died Wednesday at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. She had suffered head injuries in a skiing accident Monday north of Montreal, and was flown to New York on Tuesday. She was 45 and lived in Manhattan and in Millbrook, N.Y.

The Lede: Richardson’s Accident Reignites Ski Helmet Debate (March 18, 2009)
Richardson Died of ‘Blunt Impact,’ Medical Examiner Says (March 20, 2009)
Critic’s Notebook: Natasha Richardson and the Redgrave Dynasty (March 22, 2009)
Times Topics: Natasha Richardson
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Sara Krulwich/The New York Times

Alan Nierob, a spokesman for her husband, the actor Liam Neeson, announced Ms. Richardson’s death Wednesday night.

“Liam Neeson, his sons, and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha,” a statement said. “They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time.”

The statement did not disclose the cause of death or discuss Ms. Richardson’s medical condition.

The gravity of her injuries had prompted an outpouring of public interest and concern and flurries of rumor and speculation since Monday, when reports of her accident began filtering out of the Mont Tremblant ski resort in the Laurentian hills. Died, Die, dead

Natasha Richardson - Vanessa Redgrave - Liam Neeson