British actress Natasha Richardson has died from blunt impact to the head after falling on a ski slope in Canada, an autopsy has confirmed.

A spokesperson from the New York City medical examiner’s office said the accidental death was “epidural hematoma due to blunt impact to the head”.

The incident, which occurred on Monday, was reportedly “laughed off” by Richardson, who later complained of pain and was taken to the hospital for further examination.

The 45-year-old Tony Award-winning actress is best known for a number of mainstream performances, including Disney’s The Parent Trap, alongside Jennifer Lopez in Maid in Manhattan and in the often overlooked directorial debut for Ethan Hawke, Chelsea Walls from 2001.

Richardson leaves behind her husband, Oscar-winning actor Liam Neeson, her two sons, mother Vanessa Redgrave and sister Joely Richardson among other heartbroken friends, colleagues and family members.