Hi, campers.  It’s Sarah today.  Unfortunately, we’ll be starting off this morning with some terribly sad news:

Natasha Richardson passed away yesterday from complications after her skiing accident earlier this week.  Richardson, who was only 45 years old, was the wife of Liam Neeson and the daughter of Vanessa Redgrave, as well as a Tony Award-winning actress.  Neeson’s publicist released the following statement:

“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.”

Richardson, who was awake and lucid immediately following the accident, later began showing symptoms of serious head injury and was taken to the hospital, where doctors found she was bleeding in the brain.  Her heartbroken family had her removed from life support yesterday after she was pronounced brain dead.

Liam Neeson and Natasha Richardson were a lovely couple who seemed genuinely happy and completely devoted to each other, and for 15 years they kept themselves almost fully out of the press except for when they were working.  Even my cold, dead heart is a little bit touched by the incredible sadness of this tragedy.

Natasha Richardson, Liam Neeson, and their two boys, Michael and Daniel:

Liam and Natasha:

I guess even the luck of the Irish runs out sometimes — Liam Neeson’s wife of fifteen years is reportedly suffering brain damage after sustaining a massive head injury while skiing in Quebec. The Daily Mail says

Actress Natasha Richardson was critically ill with a ‘traumatic head injury’ today after a skiing accident in Canada. Richardson, 45, was injured at the Quebec resort of Mont Tremblant.

Her husband Liam Neeson, who was filming in Toronto, flew to be at her bedside.

In the immortal words of Qui-Gon Jinn, “It will be a hard life, but you will find out who you are.” Our condolences to him and his family during this difficult time.