Natasha Richardson was taken off life support yesterday morning after a skiing trip in Canada left the star with severe brain injuries.

The Maid in Manhattan star was rushed to hospital in Montreal, Canada on Monday following a freak incident on the slopes of Mont Tremblant.

Natasha's husband, Irish actor Liam Neeson, rushed to her bedside at the Hopital du Sacre-Coeur de Montreal as doctors battled to save her life.

Natasha was later moved to the Lenox Hill Hospital in her home city of New York where she was joined by the actress' mother Vanessa Redgrave, sister Joely Richardson, her two sons and other family members.

Husband Liam Neeson returns home after Natasha's death is announced (Splash News)

As Entertainmentwise reported yesterday, reports had emerged that the actress was "brain dead" and had "no chance of survival."

And in the early hours of Wednesday morning she was removed from life support and died hours later.

Confirming the sad news, the actress' publicist Alan Nierob says, "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."

The daughter of late director/producer Tony Richardson and actress Redgrave, Natasha began her career in regional theatre before moving into television and film work.

Her first major movie was Ken Russell's 1986 drama Gothic, and she also notably starred in The Handmaid's Tail, Past Midnight, and 2001 comedy Blow Dry. She was 45.