Natasha Richardson dies

Actress Natasha Richardson has died of head injuries following a skiing accident in Canada.

Richardson, 45, the daughter of actress Vanessa Redgrave and wife of actor Liam Neeson, fell on a beginners' slope at Mont Tremblant in Quebec on Monday.

She died in a New York hospital, close to the home she shared with Irish actor Neeson and their two sons. They were said to be by her side when she died.

The family released a statement that said they were devastated by the death of their "beloved Natasha".

Neeson, 56, flew from the set of his new film in Toronto to be with his wife as soon as he heard news of the accident. He was with her when she was transferred from Canada to Lenox Hill Hospital in New York on Tuesday.

Neeson was joined by Vanessa Redgrave, and the couple's two two sons, Michael, and Daniel had gathered at her bedside.

Richardson initially showed no sign of injury after falling during a supervised skiing lesson at the resort, but about an hour later she was taken to a nearby hospital after feeling unwell. It was later confirmed her injuries were critical.