Carrie Fisher Has Died at 60

The iconic Star Wars actress has passed away following a cardiac episode on board an international flight.

Actress and writer Carrie Fisher has passed away following a a massive heart attack on an international flight last week. She was 60 years old.

Fisher was traveling on a United flight from London to LAX when she went into cardiac arrest shortly before landing. Other passengers performed CPR until the plane arrived, where paramedics took over and rushed her to a nearby hospital.

Fisher, daughter of Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher, was best known for her portrayal of Star Wars‘ Princess Leia Organa. She continued her acting career in films such as When Harry Met Sally and Woody Allen’s Hannah and Her Sisters, published a semi-autobiographical novel in 1987 titled Postcards from the Edge, was the author of several other novels, and worked in the film industry as a script doctor. Throughout her career, Fisher was open about her struggles with mental illness, after being diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Simon Halls, the family’s spokesman, released a statement to People on behalf of Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd:

“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.”