The Richardson Tragedy and Ski Helmets
The unexpected death of any apparently healthy, vitality-filled person, celebrity or not, is like an ice-cold splash of water; it snaps your thinking back to the ever-present reality that anyone’s life can be taken away in an instant. And with Ms. Richardson, who seems to shimmer with beauty and charisma in her photos and interviews, it feels like the world is losing an uncommonly lovely human being.
Much is being made of the fact that Ms. Richardson was not wearing a helmet when she took her fall taking a ski lesson on a beginner slope. Already, it’s ignited a debate among skiers, ski resort operators, and medical experts, about whether helmets should be required for all skiers and snowboarders.
If you and/or your family members ski, I suggest you begin your thinking about this issue by reading this very comprehensive blog post on the subject from nytimes.com. Here’s a key statistic it quotes:
Well, that may be what the National Ski Area Association says, but I go skiing a few times each year, and that 43 percent figure seems way high to me. I’m just not seeing it. But even if you go along with the NSAA survey showing drastically increased helmet usage, there’s this to consider as the writer continues:
“Even so, the rate of accidental deaths on the slopes — there were 53 recorded last season, 44 from skiing accidents and 9 from snowboarding — has not changed much ... The situation is sort of mixed,” said Jasper Shealy, a professor emeritus at Rochester Institute of Technology who has been tracking skiing and snowboard fatalities since the 1970s. “We’re now at the point where roughly half the population wears a helmet, and we’ve seen no difference” in fatalities.”
I’m in no position to interpret that anomaly, but I can tell you neither my wife nor I wear helmets when we ski. Frankly, until today, it never crossed my mind.
Here are a couple of articles about the number of people injured while ice skating. Doctors quoted in each story recommend wearing helmets when ice skating. It makes sense; hitting your head on ice would be much more damaging than an impact with snow. But I’ll wager if you go to Wollman Rink in Central Park any winter day, you’ll see very few adults wearing helmets, even though helmet rentals are available, and even though the Central Park Skate Patrol recommends wearing them in the strongest terms.
It’s a tough argument. Some who reject notions of what I’ll call nanny-ism--- overprotective efforts to confront ANY sort of risk, no matter how remote-- will sarcastically ask, why not wear helmets while driving or riding in a car? That would probably save lives. People fall down steps in their homes and die every day, many more than those dying on ski slopes. Should people wear helmets around the house?
I don’t think I’ll ever a wear a helmet when I ski, but I am thinking more tonight about making sure my kids do. Probably lots of ski parents are. But, my goodness, such a price to pay to have this issue brought to our attention. Our deepest prayers and condolences to the family of Natasha Richardson.
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Comments: 45
It's tragic, but she may have had another brain injury prior to the accident, like an aneurism.
The issue over whether to require the use of a helmet is the same as wearing one a motorcycle, it's personal preference and whether you want to risk your life.
THIS HORRIBLE ACCIDENT MAKES ME THANKFUL FOR THE LITTLE THINGS.. I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT I WILL PROBABLY NOT WEAR A HELMET...HOWEVER MY CHILDREN KAITLYN AND ASHLEY MOST CERTAINLY WILL ACCIDENTS CAN BE DEADLY AS WELL AS THIS TRAGEDY PROVES..
When I heard of Ms. Richardson's death, I was completely shocked. Granted, she may of had a prior condition, like and aneruism, but maybe if she had worn a helmet her beauty and grace would still be here today. I send my deepest sympathies to her husband, and especially her two sons. Mr. Watkin's statement is 100% correct when he said that life can be taken from us in an instant.
"Too Cool" to Wear A Helmet----so so very sad about natasha richardson - something about her seemed special...re: helmets - i started skiing at 5, now 39 - and as "crazy" on the slopes as ever...tore my ACL and fractured a heel skiing last year -- never wore a helmet in my life - was always "too cool" to wear one - i have 2 boys (like she did) - i'm giving up "looking cool"...
I'm just devastated and sitting here in tears hearing the news about Natasha Richardson. She was a beautiful actress. I think I have watched Parent Trap a thousand times just because of her role in the movie. They seemed to have such a wonderful marriage and two beautiful boys. It's so upsetting that the boys have lost their mother especially at such a young age. I am lost for words on this horrible tragedy. My prayers are for the family. My heart goes out to them. She will truly be missed.
Everybody should wear a helmet. with not a doubt!! My husband and I wear our helmets whenever we are in the slops as an example to our daughter and as a safety measure, it s the same than wearing your seat belt while driving. I'm so sorry for Mrs. Richardson pass, she was a great actress and AIDS activist.
I am saddened by this tragic news. Natasha was an actress that I truly admired. She possessed such sophistication. As a couple Natasha and Liaam appeared to have been born for one another. Skiing has always been on my list of to do's in my life but have always been slightly afraid of it and especially so when I hear of many who have suffered injuries and death because of it. However,it is not to be feared as anyone can get injured doing something they truly enjoy. I do not think wearing a helmet would be necessary but if its recommended then I certainly would wear one. My condolences to Liaam and his sons.
I believe that helmets will help to a degree in alleviating injuries.
I would also advocate that, regardless of the experience of the skier, medical attention should be required immediately, regardless of how minor or major the fall is, by a doctor on staff.
Finally, providing information of one's health history, and any medical conditions and prescriptions before one begins skiing, would be of great benefit so that when, and if, medical attention is needed, the life of the skier will be better protected.
being a lifelong skier and avid motorcyclist, I believe people need to take responsibility for their own actions and behavior..I dont believe the government should be allowed to tell me whether or not I NEED to wear a helmet..Safety helmets are a good idea..It is my opinion that I should be given the choice on whether or not to wear a helmet..not told that I MUST wear one
How tragic, and my thoughts and prayers go out to Liam Neeson, Vanessa Redgrave, Natasha's sons and whole family. I lost a beloved parent recently - it is so difficult right now, but know she is with you. How the timing is so uncanny, right now here in Canada ThinkFirst and Aviva Canada are having a Brain Awareness Week on the safety of wearing helmets, next Tuesday March 24 is ThinkFirst / Aviva Brain Day, here is a link if any of your readers would like to read about it. Again my condolences & God Bless. http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2009/12/c7989.html
My deepest & sincere condolences to Ms.Richardson's family and friends.She was an excellent actress and am sure a wonderful mother.
I believe that the ski company she be held liable for not taken all precautions to keep a person using their services safe from harm.
Obviously she was a novice at skiing and did not have the experience since she was taking a beginners lesson.
All people she be required to wear protective gear for such a sport,If bikers are required to wear one,common sense should tell these people, that since the risk of being injured skiing is higher,that should warrant the use of a helmet even more.
WOW...WHAT A TRAGEDY...MAY GOD BLESS NATASHA RICHARDSON'S FAMILY...I LIKED NATASHA...SHE WAS A WONDERFUL ACTRESS AND A GREAT PERSON...SHE WAS MY IDLE & I'LL MISS HER A LOT...MY BLESSINGS TO NATASHA'S FAMILY...
P.S. I DEFINITLY THINK THEY SHOULD PASS THE LAW TO HAVE SKIIERS WEAR A HELMET, NOT ONLY TO PROTECT PEOPLE, BUT TO SAVES TRAGEDIES LIKE THIS ONE, FROM HAPPENING.
SINCERLY CRYSTAL
WOW...WHAT A TRAGEDY...MAY GOD BLESS NATASHA RICHARDSON'S FAMILY...I LIKED NATASHA...SHE WAS A WONDERFUL ACTRESS AND A GREAT PERSON...SHE WAS MY IDLE & I'LL MISS HER A LOT...MY BLESSINGS TO NATASHA'S FAMILY...
P.S. I DEFINITLY THINK THEY SHOULD PASS THE LAW TO HAVE SKIIERS WEAR A HELMET, NOT ONLY TO PROTECT PEOPLE, BUT TO SAVES TRAGEDIES LIKE THIS ONE, FROM HAPPENING.
SINCERLY CRYSTAL
WOW...WHAT A TRAGEDY...MAY GOD BLESS NATASHA RICHARDSON'S FAMILY...I LIKED NATASHA...SHE WAS A WONDERFUL ACTRESS AND A GREAT PERSON...SHE WAS MY IDLE & I'LL MISS HER A LOT...MY BLESSINGS TO NATASHA'S FAMILY...
P.S. I DEFINITLY THINK THEY SHOULD PASS THE LAW TO HAVE SKIIERS WEAR A HELMET, NOT ONLY TO PROTECT PEOPLE, BUT TO SAVES TRAGEDIES LIKE THIS ONE, FROM HAPPENING.
SINCERLY CRYSTAL
WOW...WHAT A TRAGEDY...MAY GOD BLESS NATASHA RICHARDSON'S FAMILY...I LIKED NATASHA...SHE WAS A WONDERFUL ACTRESS AND A GREAT PERSON...SHE WAS MY IDLE & I'LL MISS HER A LOT...MY BLESSINGS TO NATASHA'S FAMILY...
P.S. I DEFINITLY THINK THEY SHOULD PASS THE LAW TO HAVE SKIIERS WEAR A HELMET, NOT ONLY TO PROTECT PEOPLE, BUT TO SAVES TRAGEDIES LIKE THIS ONE, FROM HAPPENING.
SINCERLY CRYSTAL
WOW...WHAT A TRAGEDY...MAY GOD BLESS NATASHA RICHARDSON'S FAMILY...I LIKED NATASHA...SHE WAS A WONDERFUL ACTRESS AND A GREAT PERSON...SHE WAS MY IDLE & I'LL MISS HER A LOT...MY BLESSINGS TO NATASHA'S FAMILY...
P.S. I DEFINITLY THINK THEY SHOULD PASS THE LAW TO HAVE SKIIERS WEAR A HELMET, NOT ONLY TO PROTECT PEOPLE, BUT TO SAVES TRAGEDIES LIKE THIS ONE, FROM HAPPENING.
SINCERLY CRYSTAL
WOW...WHAT A TRAGEDY...MAY GOD BLESS NATASHA RICHARDSON'S FAMILY...I LIKED NATASHA...SHE WAS A WONDERFUL ACTRESS AND A GREAT PERSON...SHE WAS MY IDLE & I'LL MISS HER A LOT...MY BLESSINGS TO NATASHA'S FAMILY...
P.S. I DEFINITLY THINK THEY SHOULD PASS THE LAW TO HAVE SKIIERS WEAR A HELMET, NOT ONLY TO PROTECT PEOPLE, BUT TO SAVES TRAGEDIES LIKE THIS ONE, FROM HAPPENING.
SINCERLY CRYSTAL
WOW...WHAT A TRAGEDY...MAY GOD BLESS NATASHA RICHARDSON'S FAMILY...I LIKED NATASHA...SHE WAS A WONDERFUL ACTRESS AND A GREAT PERSON...SHE WAS MY IDLE & I'LL MISS HER A LOT...MY BLESSINGS TO NATASHA'S FAMILY...
P.S. I DEFINITLY THINK THEY SHOULD PASS THE LAW TO HAVE SKIIERS WEAR A HELMET, NOT ONLY TO PROTECT PEOPLE, BUT TO SAVES TRAGEDIES LIKE THIS ONE, FROM HAPPENING.
SINCERLY CRYSTAL
My prayers go out to Liam Neeson and his sons, in their time of bereavement for the loss of a loving wife and mother. I can only recall seeing Natasha Richardson in Maid in Manhattan, but I’ve always seen her on the arms of Liam Neeson, one of my favorite actors. I am also a big fan of her mother Vanessa Redgrave, which is one of the reasons I decided to respond to your blog, Jim. While I didn't personally know Natasha, I perceive that she must have been a wonderful person, evinced by her altruistic endeavors in her spare time.
With regard to your question Jim, about the helmet. I think it makes perfect sense, and yes, you should have your children skiing in helmets. You said it yourself, "People fall down steps in their homes and die every day, many more than those dying on ski slopes." That may be true, however, most people don't fall down in their homes and are later diagnosed "brain-dead," unless they hit their heads. The point being, if you play a sport, or engage in any activity where there is a possibility that you could fall and hit your head, then yes, you should wear a helmet.
It's time we start teaching our children that is more important to be safe than fashionable (and you and I know that it is one of the main reasons people do not want to wear an helmet) because we don’t look cute in one. Personally, I would never ski; because while I could slip in the tub and knock my head, I would rather that, than hitting my head on some ice on a hill I didn't need to be on—at least the tub was an unavoidable accident, since I have to bathe. But that’s just me. We all do what we must.
Again, my prayers to the bereaved; and congratulations on a very good blog.
I have been skiing for 49 years, but I have only begun to wear a helmet in the last few years, since my three boys started wearing them. It certainly affords an added level of protection from potential head injury, but not all skiers choose them. Wearing a helmet is truly a matter of personal choice, and the individual skier needs to assess his or her style of skiing, risk, terrain etc ... and make the choice that is right for them. I certainly will wear one for as a model for my boys, and out of respect for Ms. Richardson and all those who have succumbed to such tragic injuries.
My family and I have skied the very same trail at Mt. Tremblant and it is quite gentle and very flat toward the bottom. This can be a double-edge sword, as any seasoned skier will tell you. The impact on a low-grade slope can be more severe and jarring than a fall on a steeper grade. One tends to slide and tumble downhill on the steeper slope, and the energy of the fall is dissipated. Be careful out there! And when we ski at Tremblant again, we will say a prayer for the family on Nansen.God Bless.
I have been skiing for 49 years, but I have only begun to wear a helmet in the last few years, since my three boys started wearing them. It certainly affords an added level of protection from potential head injury, but not all skiers choose them. Wearing a helmet is truly a matter of personal choice, and the individual skier needs to assess his or her style of skiing, risk, terrain etc ... and make the choice that is right for them. I certainly will wear one for as a model for my boys, and out of respect for Ms. Richardson and all those who have succumbed to such tragic injuries.
My family and I have skied the very same trail at Mt. Tremblant and it is quite gentle and very flat toward the bottom. This can be a double-edge sword, as any seasoned skier will tell you. The impact on a low-grade slope can be more severe and jarring than a fall on a steeper grade. One tends to slide and tumble downhill on the steeper slope, and the energy of the fall is dissipated. Be careful out there! And when we ski at Tremblant again, we will say a prayer for the family on Nansen.God Bless.
A law should be passed for skiiers, helmets and other protective gear.
Natasha, a true beauty inside and out.
Liam, God Bless you and your family at this difficult time.
cj
I don't know all the details on how it occurred. If it jarred the brain that hard, an helmet wouldn't have made a difference. I seen some padding on some helmet and they are pretty hard.
Some ppl are athletic and they know instinctively how to fall, some ppl doesn't know how to.
In any case, I am shocked that someone died at a beginner's slope. My son just got his first lesson this last weekend and it fills me with dread that this can happen. Although he did wear a helmet.
On the other hand, I took my first class of snowboarding and I didn't wear one.
My deepest sympathy for her family.
I don't know all the details on how it occurred. If it jarred the brain that hard, an helmet wouldn't have made a difference. I seen some padding on some helmet and they are pretty hard.
Some ppl are athletic and they know instinctively how to fall, some ppl doesn't know how to.
In any case, I am shocked that someone died at a beginner's slope. My son just got his first lesson this last weekend and it fills me with dread that this can happen. Although he did wear a helmet.
On the other hand, I took my first class of snowboarding and I didn't wear one.
My deepest sympathy for her family.
I agree with almost everything you said in your post Jim. You said "I don’t think I’ll ever a wear a helmet when I ski, but I am thinking more tonight about making sure my kids do." You seem to be suffering from "Do as I say, not as I do" Syndrome. If helmets are good enough for your kids, why can't you make that same adjustment and provide a good example for them to follow. Sorry Jim, you dropped the ball on that one. As for Ms. Richardson, may she be at peace and may her family find the strength to deal with this. Beautiful, talented, classy and well-loved. Sadly, she was the exception rather than the rule in Hollywood these days.
Beginners and Pro's need to wear helmets, it should be mandatory. I bet her kids were wearing helmets. Parents naturally think of their kids first but don’t realize they are much more fragile than the kids are. It is tragic and we should make some basic laws here (US) regarding Brain Buckets. Maybe if people could see the other benefits of a helmet instead of safety, such as having two way communications with your buddies or keeping you warm. It needs to be the new snow cap or “Beanie”, cheap, cool and mandatory to get on the mountain. I think people will appreciate it more after this horrific accident, which really goes to show how fragile we really are…. I have to admit that I don’t wear a helmet but of course I will now! One bump in the wrong place can obviously change your world within a couple of hours. Let’s get smart and wear helmets just like we do when skating, riding bikes, Roller blade, Etc. I have not ever seen an event or professional not wearing helmets, just because they jump and flip we think, oh ya they need a helmet but one caught edge on a snow board or skies and the result is more catastrophic than a pro doing flip and crashing which has been practiced a million times and whom has been doing the sport since they were very young, they are naturally good. LET’S GET WITH IT IS ALMOST 2010!!! What are waiting for the next tragedy? I support a helmet rule mandatory at least for every beginner (meaning the first 2 seasons on the mountain) and if you’re going to the Freestyle Park, or access to extremely difficult runs. Let’s do something so at least Natasha can look down on us and smile. She helped to fund projects for AIDS; I think she would do the same for a helmet law if she had lost a child or relative to this type tragedy.
You would a think a high class ski resort would know better than to allow a high profile client to get on the mountain without a helmet, Canada get with brain awareness week and then get the US do one to.
There is no doubt that she would have lived if she was wearing a helmet, even if prior condition was present at the time of the incident... It’s really starting to look stupid. When is the last time you saw a car without an airbag? Do we think we are stronger than automobiles? These are just my thoughts please do not get personal. Thanks
Helmets are fine, but choice is best. There is no good argument to compel adults to wear them. Indeed, all studies show ski conduct and judgment, not safety gear, most influence most ski injuries. Kids should wear helmets, since their judgment and conduct tends to be worse than adults', and very young children should wear them for many reasons, the most important being the prospect of being hit by others. After years of debate in Europe and Japan, home to most skiers, there are no mandatory adult helmet laws for reasons above.
Ohh goodness,so many deaths so little time. It is very unfortunate about natasha richardson.she will be greatly missed. I am especially sad for her children it is too late to say the "shouldves" but any way she would be here today had she wore a helmet!!! Now her children are motherless and liam neeson wifeless!! What happens now one will never know!!
The reports say she fell, but how exactly did she fall? Did she hit her head or did she simply topple over(being that she was learning to ski and was on the beginner's course) in the snow? Did her skis catch on an object (branch, rock?)and she wound up being thrown? For all we know, depending on the circumstances of her fall, a helmet might not have made one iota of a difference. All this talk about how she should have used a helmet--from where did we make this assessment? Remember, the reports say she fell--I DO NOT recall any of them saying she hit her head on anything!
With all that I said above, I will now say this: I feel so bad for Natasha's husband Liam(you can tell he truly loved her), her two young sons, and particularly her mother. No parent should have to bury their child. It's all a terrible shame and indeed it does remind you of the fragility of life, how it can be snuffed out just like that, out of nowhere. My beloved uncle died from a head injury many years ago too, so this is a bit emotional for me. My thoughts and prayers go out to Natasha's family. They're going to need all the positive outpouring they can get. The world has lost a beautiful, talented woman who died way, way too young.
Update: A new report reveals that Richardson did indeed die from blunt impact to the head. Here's the link:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29733775/
I will take back what I said earlier about how a helmet might not have made a difference. In her case, it apparently would have.
Adults or not, we are all kids at heart and that’s why Laws are so important. People will complain in the beginning just like the motorcycle Helmet laws here in California, but it will pass and a law is coming. Look what’s the big deal! I think society is somewhat checked out, this law should have been implemented years ago. Think about it, you’re sliding on Ice or snow with some kind of control, but really we are all jamming down staying focused enjoying the fresh air, but what if? A rock, debris, whatever. Something you just saw too late, I have fallen a lot of times and have the scars to prove it but I am buying a helmet and a cool one at that.... Natasha may she rest in peace, has gotten to me to believe and will not go without a helmet anymore in regards to all outdoor/indoor sports that logically need one. Life is precious, protect it….
What a grief, what a great actress life cut short at a young age. Tragedies like this make you think about life is so short and uncertain. We have to respect and love ourselves every minute. God bless her and her grieving family.
helmets are good to wear no matter how old you are. if you wear a helmet for riding bikes, you should wear one for skiing to
Helmets are a must. This is common sense. Bare heads are like melons on the mountain, waiting to be hit by bladed snowboards and ski. I passed one by an inch while snowboarding once.
I'm seventeen years old and have never worn a helmet when skiing because it's not "cool" and i look like a dork -- I am going skiing next week and still probably will NOT wear one regardless of what has happened this week, if slopes made it a rule or a law that skiers/snowboarders must wear helmets, then i would have no choice and neither would everyone else and this would protect many teens kids and adults.
I am so thankful for my life. I had a new baby in November, and suffered epidural bleeding as a result of the epidural anesthesia. A month after his birth, I was still having the most painful headaches. After several trips to the emergency room, they decided to run a CAT scan and they found bleeding between my brain and skull, and was told if I had waited even a week longer, I could have died. I had to have emergency surgery and now I am thankful for even the little things; and that I can still be a mother, a wife, and a daughter.Hearing a story so similar, with a deadly outcome, makes me realize how blessed I a, but also how different my story could have ended. My heart goes out to Natasha Richardson's family.
M.M
P.s. You and Kaidi are the best news duo ever!!
Why don't we all eat only the absolute healthiest food,
never touch anything bad for us,
cover ourselves in bubblewrap and aluminum foil
to keep us intact and safe from magnetic fields,
radio waves,
and electronic radiation,
wear helmets,
special breathing apparati to filter the smog,
wear bullet proof vests over it all and
steel toed and soled boots on our feet
Never drive cars or
fly in airplanes.
and then strap ourselves to our beds with our TVs tuned to WPIX and never leave the house.
Imagine how enjoyable and SAFE all our lives would be!
Do you wear a helmut walking around your own yard?
Why not?
What if you have a completely freak accident, trip, fall and hit your head?!
Let's all try to be a little less ridiculous for just one day.
PLEASE !
I just started to snowboard this year and I actually laughed at my 40 year old brother who was wearing a helmet... but now, for next season, I will make sure to have one of my own! I would rather look silly, than loose my life.
I think we should ask a question what cause that accident? I ski, and my kids just started too and we find very hard to ski among snowborders! They sit on the hill in the midlde of the road. We had few situations on the road becouse of them.
I'm voting for seperate roads for those who want to ski and for those who sitting , laying on the snow.
I heard you say your blog gets no hits so I decided to take a look. I would have to take the idea of helmets at wollman rink into consideration. I love going there every winter and its always great, but there are always people falling in every direction and skaters have to swerve to avoid them. Sometimes they're unsuccessful and end up going down themselves. You have to admit skating just isn't as graceful with helmets. No one will be wearing to a helmet to the rink anytime soon, probably because people realize that they are taking a risk when they do certain activities. Still taking a risk can be as simple as crossing a busy street. The odds are against anything bad happening. I think the lesson to be learned here is that if you are injured, you should take it seriously and seek medical attention even if you think you don't need it. It is a tragedy, but there is something to be learned from it.
Well, I don't know if making helmets mandatory is constitutional, I think people should be free to choose, but I do think wearing helmets to ski should be strongly recommended but in the end, it should all come down to the discretion of the skier. And that's my take on it.
I believe that in any land sport where locomotion is enhanced by forces other than muscular contraction, the use of head protective gear is as smart and sensible as is the wearing of a life preserver in all motored water sports. That includes even gravity, the force that propels downhill skiing. X-country skiing should also be included due to possible loss of control from the momentum generated. As to who might require it - I believe that governments should NOT, except in biking, individual resorts can and should, and the smart recreationalist MUST, for oneself and family.
A correction, or an amendment, if I may. ALL boating, not just motored, demands the use of life preservers. Canoeing without them can be an act of madness.