Speculation continues to swirl around Natasha Richardson skiing accident

Conflicting reports last night had actress Natasha Richardson "brain dead" and being flown home to New York for a sad family farewell, or suffering from "brain swelling," a potentially catastrophic condition, but not necessarily the tragic end that many fear is at hand for the wife and mother of two, a member of Britain's most respected acting clan.

This much is known: Richardson was flown to New York yesterday afternoon after being treated at a Montreal hospital. On her arrival here, it was unclear whether she was being transferred to a hospital or a private home.

While friends and family gathered Monday evening for a vigil in NYC, where Richardson and Neeson call home, the 45-year-old actress' mom, Oscar winner Vanessa Redgrave, was photographed heading to Lenox Hill Hospital in upper Manhattan, presumably to be by her daughter's side.

Some published reports said the move came so that mother Vanessa Redgrave, the actress' two children and loved ones could say goodbye, before she's taken off life support. Richardson's representative did not return calls last night.

Richardson, 45, fell during a beginner lesson Monday at Canada's famed Mont Tremblant ski resort. A statement from the resort said the Tony-winning actress did not appear injured at first. She was taken to the hospital about an hour later after reporting a headache.

She was first taken to the Centre Hospitalier Laurentien in Ste-Agathe, then transferred to Hospital du Sacré-Coeur in Montreal, reports said.

Richardson is married to actor Liam Neeson, who left the Toronto set of the movie "Chloe" to be with his wife, reports said.

The couple have two sons, Micheal, 13, and Daniel, 12.

Thoughts and prayers to Natasha and Liam Neeson, as well as the families.