Carrie Fisher, known forever to her many Star Wars fans as "Princess Leia," is dead following a heart attack which occurred last Friday, December 23. On route to Los Angeles from London, the attack occurred only minutes upon landing. After hours of surviving in "critical condition," Debbie Reynolds, Fisher's famous mother, tweeted about her daughter's "stable condition": "Carrie is in stable condition. If there is a change, we will share it. For all her fans & friends. I thank you for your prayers & good wishes."

However, it seemed that such good news was only to be curtailed. Never having regained consciousness, Carrie Fisher died at 8:55 am today, December 27. The actress is recognized primarily for her role in Star Wars; she also made appearances in films When Harry Met Sally and Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle. She is beloved for her wit and honesty; she stepped out amidst humiliation and criticism in publicizing her alcohol and drug addiction, as well as her struggle with a bipolar disorder. She was vocal about her weaknesses, and for her grasp of reality, she will be missed by many. She is survived by her mother, brother, half-sister and daughter, Billie.

A friend, speaking on Billie's behalf, reported: "It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8:55 this morning,"

Reynolds, left the Facebook post upon the public announcement of her daughter's death, "Thank you to everyone who has embraced the gifts and talents of my beloved and amazing daughter. I am grateful for your thoughts and prayers that are now guiding her to her next stop. Love, Carrie's Mother."

Co-Star Wars actor, Billy Dee Williams tweeted: "I'm deeply saddened at the news of Carrie's passing. She was a dear friend, whom I greatly respected and admired. The force is dark today!" 

And Star Trek's William Shatner added: "I'm deeply saddened to learn of the death of Carrie Fisher. I will miss our banterings. A wonderful talent & light has been extinguished."

Fortunately, filming for Star Wars: Episode VIII was long finished before this incident; Episode IX, however, leaves an uncertain unfolding as commencement on its work will not begin until 2017. Fisher's Leia, who was given an eerily applauded CGI appearance in the box office hit Rogue One, will endear in the hearts of all fans as the universe's most cherished princess----in a galaxy far, far away.