Carrie Fisher has passed away at the age of 60, according to People Magazine. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by her family's spokesperson on behalf of Carrie's daughter, 23-year-old actress Billie Lourd. Fisher suffered a massive heart attack on a flight from London to LA on Friday, Dec. 23rd and has been hospitalized ever since. Paramedics removed Fisher from the flight and rushed her to a nearby hospital, however, she was unable to make a recovery. She died in the hospital on Tuesday morning.
Family spokesman Simon Halls released a statement on Tuesday afternoon, saying "It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8:55 this morning. She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly. Our entire family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers.”
The iconic actress was best known for playing Princess Leia Organa in the beloved Star Was franchise. She was born into a show business family, with her parents being actress Debbie Reynolds and famous entertainer Eddie Fisher, and was able to transcend her science fiction persona through her unflinchingly candid books, such as Postcards From The Edge and Wishful Drinking. Fisher was one of the most prolific, honest writers of our time. She was promoting her latest book, The Princess Diarist, at the time of her death.
“She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly." The statement announcing her death read, saying that "Our entire family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers.” Fisher's daughter, Billie, has not commented personally yet on her mother's tragic passing. She currently stars on Fox's Scream Queens and made a cameo in Star Wars: The Force Awakens alongside her mother last year. The 23-year-old actress frequently posts about her mother on her Instagram account, often commenting on their similarities.
Carrie's Star Wars co-stars Mark Hamill and Harrison Ford both opened up about their long time friend following her heart attack. Hamill took to Twitter and shared well wishes to Carrie writing "as if 2016 couldn't get any worse... sending all our love to Carrie Fisher". Ford, however, released a statement saying he was "shocked and saddened to hear the news about my dear friend. Our thoughts are with Carrie, her family and friends."
The world lost one of its best on Tuesday, Dec. 27th. She will deeply missed for her candor, legendary wit, and immense talent. May the force be with you, Carrie. Rest in peace.