AceShowbiz -

British actress Natasha Richardson known for her performances on stage and in feature films has passed away on Wednesday, March 18 at New York City's Lenox Hill Hospital after suffering head injury from a skiing accident earlier this week. She was 45.

In the wake of the tragic news, Natasha's husband, actor Liam Neeson, issued a statement trough a representative, saying he, "his sons, and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha." The statement continued, the family is "profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone," and asks "for privacy during this very difficult time."

Natasha Richardson has dominated the media headlines these past few days after she was injured in a skiing accident at the Mont Tremblant Resort in the Canadian province of Quebec on Monday, March 16. She, according to reports, fell during a private lesson on a beginners trail. Not wearing a helmet when the incident occurred, Natasha seemed okay at first and had no visible injury on her body.

Complaining of a headache about an hour after she fell, Natasha was then taken to the Centre Hospitalier Laurentien in Ste-Agathe. She was later transferred to Hopital du Sacre-Coeur in Montreal. Her husband Liam, who was in Toronto shooting a movie, rushed to her side. Held overnight at Hopital du Sacre-Coeur, she was discharged from the facility on Tuesday, March 17 and accompanied by Liam, Natasha flew to N.Y.C. via private jet to be treated at Lenox Hill Hospital.

Natasha's mother, actress Vanessa Redgrave; sister, "Nip/Tuck" star Joely Richardson; aunt, actress Lynn Redgrave; and grandmother Daisy were all seen gathering at her bedside during her hospital stay.

At time of writing there have yet words issued by Natasha's family concerning a funeral for her. Meanwhile, friends who spoke on behalf of the family have been quoted by E! News as saying, "A small private funeral" is planned. The date and venue haven't been disclosed though.