Reports from other sources stating that Natasha Richardson had died from the injuries she sustained in a skiing accident are not confirmed. Until they are confirmed by her family or publicist, we won’t report it. Here’s the reason: Earlier today, Time Out New York posted that Natasha had died, but just moments later, the story was removed from their web site, with a replacement story that the actress had been declared brain dead. However, TMZ reported at the same time that the actress was not brain dead, and was being transferred to a New York City hospital to be treated for swelling of the brain. The site claims that the Montreal hospital confirmed that she is still alive and being moved.

UPDATE 2:00 PM ET — The hospital tells TMZ Richardson is sedated and suffering from brain swelling — but is not brain dead.

UPDATE: 1:37 PM ET — We’re told Richardson’s jet was scheduled to take off from Montreal-Trudeau Airport. A rep for the airport said the jet is either still there or has just taken off.

We’re told Natasha Richardson has been transported from the hospital in Canada via ambulance. CTV says she boarded a private jet — we do not know where the jet has gone, but we believe it’s New York City.

Richardson was accompanied by a medic team for the flight.

[From TMZ.com]

I’m sure all the news outlets are in a big race to get the scoop on this, but let’s remember that this is a human being with a family here. Falsely reporting on someone’s death, or reporting that death prematurely before the family has even been notified, are horrible things to do for the sake of selling a newspaper. Who would have thought that TMZ would be the outlet with the cooler head in this situation? As soon as we get credible confirmation on Natasha’s condition, we will give an update – but not a minute sooner.

Our thoughts and good wishes go to Natasha and her family.

Natasha Richardson and her mother, stage/screen legend Vanessa Redgrave. Photos: WENN.