Lights dim for a star who burned brightly

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With Natasha Richardson's body lying in repose, shock is gradually giving way to grief as lights are dimmed across Broadway and the West End in tribute to the actress, writes Fintan Schwartz

Neeson in New York last week

Mourners at the wake for Richardson: Matthew Broderick

Uma Thurman

Ralph Fiennes

Richardson with her mother Vanessa Redgrave in 2001

Lauren Bacall

Ethan Hawke

Sister Joely Richardson

Liam Neeson and the family of actress Natasha Richardson, who died following a skiing accident last week, have held a wake in New York. Neeson and the couple's two teenage sons were joined by Richardson's mother, Vanessa Redgrave and sister, Joely Richardson.

The wake was held at the American Irish Historical Society in Manhattan.

On Friday night, more than 50 theatre venues in London's West End dimmed their lights in tribute to the respected stage actress. Nica Burns, president of the Society of London Theatre, said it was "a gesture of condolence at this sad time". This followed a similar gesture by Broadway on Thursday as its theatres dimmed their lights in honour of the 45-year-old actress.

Richardson's husband Liam Neeson was present to see the theatre community commemorate his wife's passing. Vanessa Redgrave and her sister Joely were also present alongside actors Matthew Broderick, Sarah Jessica Parker and Laura Linney.

Lights at 52 major venues in London went down just before curtain-up on Friday "as a mark of respect for both Natasha Richardson and her immediate family, and for the Redgrave family as a whole who have made such a unique contribution to British theatre".

Richardson's uncle, Corin Redgrave, is currently appearing at London's Jermyn Street Theatre in a play based on the writings of blacklisted Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo.

"She was the most adorable niece, most adorable person," said Redgrave on Friday. "Generous, kind, funny with a brilliant talent. I will miss her terribly and my thoughts at this time are with Vanessa, Liam and the children."

Actor Ralph Fiennes, who starred with Richardson in Maid in Manhattan and The White Countess, has joined the host of celebrities who have paid tribute to the Tony award-winning performer.

"She was a star," he said. "A great actress, a beautiful woman, a fiercely loyal friend, a brilliant and generous companion.

"I cannot imagine a world without her wit, her love, her mischief, her great, great talent and her gift for living," he continued.

On Thursday, the New York medical examiner's office said Richardson died of epidural haematoma caused by a blunt impact to the head. Doctors said she might have survived had she received immediate treatment.

Richardson fell during a private ski lesson on the Nansen beginner run at the Quebec resort of Tremblant, about 80 miles north west of Montreal. She declined immediate offers of medical help, but complained of a headache an hour later. She died late on Wednesday night in a New York hospital.

The autopsy found that Richardson died from bleeding in her skull caused by a fall she took at a Canadian ski resort on Monday.

Such bleeding is often caused by a skull fracture that can quickly produce a blood clot that puts pressure on the brain.

That pressure can force the brain downward, pressing on the brain stem that controls breathing and other vital functions.

Patients with such an injury often feel fine immediately after being hurt, as symptoms from the bleeding may take time to emerge.

The death of Richardson, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of her fall, has heightened the debate over skiing safety.

Questions have also been raised about why the first ambulance sent to Mont Tremblant after Richardson's accident was turned away.

Medics arrived shortly after the 45-year-old's fall, only to leave after the actress refused medical attention.

Another two hours elapsed before a second emergency call was made from Richardson's hotel room. It was at this point that the actress, still conscious, was moved to a hospital 40 minutes away.

According to officials, funeral arrangements will be made by the Greenwich Village Funeral Home in Manhattan.

Instead of flowers, Richardson's family have asked for donations to be made to the amfAR foundation for Aids research.

The actress, whose father Tony Richardson died of complications from the disease in 1991, was a long-time supporter of the charity and served on its board of trustees for the final three years of her life.

Meanwhile, the death of the actress cast a pall over the Mont Tremblant resort in Quebec where she was fatally injured, but did not keep people from the sunshine and the soft ski conditions in the picturesque town. Many were on their spring break and crowds at the resort were typical, if not busier than usual, though the mood was subdued.

The beginners' slope on which Richardson fell was teeming with skiers this weekend, many of them children. Helmets were on display, and many conversations turned to issues of safety.

Accident and emergency doctors had been lobbying for the wearing of helmets to be obligatory, and Richardson's death has added impetus to the plans, according to Jean-Pascal Bernier, a spokesman for the sports minister.

Some skiers said they bought a helmet after hearing what happened to the 45-year-old actress. Employees refused to speak of the accident, but the resort issued a statement extending its condolences to Richardson's family and friends and pledging to co-operate in any future investigation.

"It's really sad. I feel terrible for her family, and it makes you think that anything can happen," said Catherine Vale, 22, who urged one of her friends to buy a helmet after seeing reports of Richardson's fall. "It's pretty shocking that could happen to someone so easily."

"I was a fan of hers. I've been quite shaken up, really," said Sara Peyton, 36, from London. "I've been nervous skiing all day."

"It's tragic that she died, I can't believe it," said Marie Rivest as she ushered her two young children toward the chair lift at the bottom of the Nansen run. All three wore helmets.

"I guess anything can happen."

March 22, 2009