NEW YORK (March 18, 2009)—Actress Natasha Richardson died Monday, a spokesman for her family said.

Richardson, a gifted and precocious heiress to acting royalty whose career highlights included the film "Patty Hearst" and a Tony-winning performance in a stage revival of "Cabaret," died after suffering a serious head injury in a skiing accident.

She was 45

Alan Nierob of Rogers & Cowan said in a statement Wednesday night: "Liam Neeson, his sons, and the entire family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Natasha.

They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time."

Speculation swirled throughout the day about Richardson’s injury as members of her family gathered at the New York hospital where she was taken after falling at a ski resort in Canada.

Richardson was married to actor Liam Neeson, and the couple has two sons aged 13 and 12.

Richardson's mother, actress Vanessa Redgrave, was seen earlier Wednesday walking into Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

Richardson's two sons were also been spotted there.

Richardson was the elder daughter of Redgrave and the late director Tony Richardson.