Natasha Richardson Flown to New Hospital

TMZ ^ | 03/17/09 | TMZ Staff

[Big_Monkey]

UPDATE 2:00 PM ET -- The hospital tells TMZ Richardson is sedated and suffering from brain swelling -- but is not brain dead.

UPDATE: 1:37 PM ET -- We're told Richardson's jet was scheduled to take off from Montreal-Trudeau Airport. A rep for the airport said the jet is either still there or has just taken off.

We're told Natasha Richardson has been transported from the hospital in Canada via ambulance. CTV says she boarded a private jet -- we do not know where the jet has gone, but we believe it's New York City.

Richardson was accompanied by a medic team for the flight.

[Big_Monkey]

This is a horrible and sad tragedy. Certainly, we pray for Richardson's speedy and complete recovery.

Having said that, if Canada has a superior national health care system, why is it necessary to fly a critically injured woman from one of Canada's best hospitals to a hospital in New York City?

[theDentist]

Sorry, but: Who is Natasha Richardson?

[Sybeck1]

Can’t place her. Is she a celeb?

[silverleaf]

excellent question

[silverleaf]

Married to Liam Neeson and is also an actress

[ken5050]

Sonny Bono’s ski instructor...

[CaptainK]

Vanessa Redgrave’s daughter.

[bcsco]

Married to Liam Neeson and is also an actress

I'm sorry to hear of her condition. But not knowing who Liam Neeson is, I now understand why I'm not familiar with her...

[Sybeck1]

Ok, she was on the Lohan Parent Trap movie.

[goodnesswins]

why is it necessary to fly a critically injured woman from one of Canada's best hospitals to a hospital in New York City?

YOU know the answer...and yes, this is a tragedy....and it may make Americans MORE aware of Canada's health "care" problems...

[gussiefinknottle]

She is daughter of Vanessa Redgrave. She is a good actress although
I have not that many of her movies. She played a cute mom in
Lindsay Lohan’s version of “the parent trap,” with dennis quaid.
This was back when Lindsay was a cute little girl.

[Sybeck1]

Liam Neeson

Rob Roy
Phantom Menace
Taken

[silverleaf]

Schindler’s List!

[Josa]

It is very tragic and sad. And hopefully she will recover.

BUT again, if her condition is so serious and fragile, why risk a flight. Why effect, if any, might the cabin air compression have on a person who is suffering from swelling of the brain? I don’t know but it sounds like an unnecessary risk, IMHO.

The only reason I can think for taking such a risk is that the care she is receiving in Canada is inferior to that provided in the U.S.

[theDentist]

Okay. Prayers for her, her husband and family.

[silverleaf]

? That doesnt look like her?

[Deb]

You don’t know who Liam Neeson is? “Rob Roy”?

[bcsco]

Sorry, not familiar with any of that...

[bcsco]

Nope.