Perez Hilton, via People Magazine, is now reporting that the family is not expecting Natasha Richardson to recover from her head injury:

One close friend to 45-year-old Richardson described the situation as “There is no chance… It is a fact that her heart is beating but she is brain dead.”

The actress’ condition has been described by doctors as a “leakage of blood between the brain and skull,” with Richardson’s family soon facing the decision on whether or not they should continue to administer medical assistance.

Friends have confirmed that “It’s not official yet, but they basically will detach her.”

You know, the screwy thing is that there is no official medical or legal definition of  “brain dead.”  We have a relative who suffered a terrible head injury, was declared brain dead, and only avoided having his organs harvested due to his mother’s inability to commit to taking him off life support.  He is now recovered and back in school, driving, and working. 

I doubt that will happen with Richardson, though, in part because this family can afford to give her whatever care she would need if there were any chance at all that she could recover. 

Natasha, may your journey be peaceful.  And Liam, Micheal, Daniel, Joely, and Vanessa, please know how much sympathy and support you have out here.  God bless you all.