A helmet could have saved Natasha's life

London (ANI): Natasha Richardson, who died in a skiing accident in Canada, had reportedly refused to wear a 6-pound rented helmet, which could have averted the tragedy. The Oscar-winning actress had met with an accident and suffered a head injury during a private ski lesson at Mont Tremblant resort on March 16.

The 45-year-old had initially showed no signs of injury but later complained of a headache, and was admitted to the Hospitalier Laurentien. She was shifted to intensive care before being jetted to a New York hospital where she passed away in the presence of her mother Vanessa Redgrave and husband Liam Neeson on March 18.

While one doctor had suggested that the star may have suffered a blood clot on the brain, another said her condition could have been "talk and die syndrome" that sees the patient appear unharmed by an impact but later suffers a rapid collection of blood between the skull and the brain. Staff members believe Natasha"s life may have been spared had the security precaution been undertaken.

“We are heartbroken that we didn"t do more to persuade her to wear one. A helmet would have cost her just ten dollars (Canadian)," the Sun quoted a staff member as saying.

“Every skier is encouraged to wear a helmet, especially beginners like Natasha. But it is not legally enforced and they can always refuse. I remember Natasha coming into the shop before her lesson. She seemed cheerful, bright and extremely beautiful. She said she wasn"t a good skier and was a little nervous. She spoke to other staff about her equipment, and they offered her some headgear," the employee added.