Report: Richardson's organs donated

NEW YORK, March 25 (UPI) -- Natasha Richardson's family donated the organs of the beloved British-born actress following her death last week, a source told People magazine.

The film and stage star died in a New York hospital last Wednesday at the age of 45 following a skiing accident in which she sustained a fatal head injury.

People.com said Richardson's family requested that after she was removed from life support her organs be given to patients who need them

The Web site quoted a source close to the family as saying organ donation "is very Natasha."

"She spent so much time fighting the stigma of AIDS; someone like that would naturally donate her organs. At least by donating her organs something good could come out of (the tragedy,)" the friend said.

Richardson is survived by actor Liam Neeson, her husband of 14 years; their two sons; her mother, actress Vanessa Redgrave; and her sister, Joely Richardson.

"Liam is doing OK," another family friend, Blaine Trump, told People.com. "It takes a while to absorb this. But he says the family needs to move forward. They will take it one step at a time."