Natasha Richardson (1963-2009)

I was wondering who the first notable Hollywood death would be for 2009. Kind of a morbid thought, but now we know. It's always disheartening to me when someone reasonably close to myself in age passes away. My prayers go out to her family. It must be especially hard on her two boys, aged 13 and 12, or it will be as they grow up without a mom. It must be hard for her mom, Vanessa Redgrave, knowing you've outlived your child.

The circumstances of her passing make it all the more tragic. This is just one more example of how fragile life can be, and how fortunate we are to be alive.

Her work isn't as well known to me as that of her husband, Liam Neeson. Still, I remember seeing her in "Nell" and a few other movies. From the articles I've been reading, Richardson, 46, was well liked and respected in Hollywood and on Broadway.

Here's the article on Richardson from people.com.