Hollywood star Carrie Fisher -- best known for her portrayal of Princess Leia in the "Star Wars" saga -- died Tuesday, days after suffering a massive heart attack on a transatlantic flight, according to a family statement given to People magazine.

"It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8:55 this morning," family spokesman Simon Halls said in a statement on behalf of Fisher's daughter.