In the moments leading up to Natasha Richardson's death her mother Vanessa Redgrave sang her a bittersweet lullaby, according to reports.

The actress - who rushed to be by her daughter's hospital bedside in New York after a she suffered a freak accident during skiing trip in Canada - reportedly sang a rendition of Edelweiss from The Sound of Music before Natasha's life support machine was switched off.

Natasha lay brain dead at the Lennox Hill Hospital while family members including her mother, husband Liam Neeson, sister Joely Richardson and sons Daniel and Michael gathered around to say their final goodbyes.

Natasha's tragic death occurred after what seemed to be an innocuous fall on the slopes of Mont Tremblant ski resort in Quebec.

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."

New York’s medical examiner's office post mortem found that the cause of death was a tear to a blood vessel in her brain.

Last night stars gathered to pay tribute to the 45-year-old actress while the lights of Broadway were dimmed for a minute to honour her life.