Natasha Richardson's Passing Could Have Been Avoided If Not For Mistake
Before the evening show one Thursday night in 2009, Broadway theaters dimmed the lights in honor of the great actress Natasha Richardson. A true talent in Hollywood, too, the Parent Trap actor passed away earlier in the week, and the entertainment world grieved the loss of the beloved star. Friends, family, and fans all wanted to know how a 45-year-old in great health could die so suddenly. The official cause-of-death left everyone rattled.
Away With Family
It all began, and ended, in mid-March 2009. The acclaimed actress was taking time off from work to spend some quality vacation time with her two sons, 13-year-old Micheál and 12-year-old Daniel. Her husband, Liam Neeson, was working on a film project, so Natasha took her kids to do some skiing.
On The Slopes
More specifically, Natasha and the kids spent quality time together at Mont Tremblant Ski Resort in Quebec, Canada. An inexperienced skier, Natasha played it safe and stuck to the bunny slopes, even paying for lessons from an instructor. She hoped to tackle a bigger hill later in the day.
Needing Preparation
Natasha was geared up for a fun time in the snow... except she was missing a helmet. As she readied herself for the skiing, she slipped in the snow, hitting her head on the soft snow below. She laughed the fall off — it was just a beginner's tumble. Nothing serious. The instructor asked if she was okay.
Dismissal
Of course she was okay, Natasha told the ski instructor. She didn't have a headache or dizziness. She wasn't seeing stars. She slipped in the snow, and that was the end of it. Regardless, the instructor called over the ski patrol for further evaluation.
