Back to Events
Natalie Wood Death
Actress Natalie Wood drowned off Catalina Island in 1981 while aboard a yacht with husband Robert Wagner and Christopher Walken. Her death was ruled accidental, but the case was reopened in 2011. In 2018, Wagner was named a person of interest. The true circumstances remain unclear.
1981
Catalina Island, California, USA
3+ witnesses
Hollywood’s most mysterious death.
The Victim
Natalie Wood:
- Famous actress
- West Side Story star
- Age 43
- November 29, 1981
- Catalina Island
The Night
What happened:
- Aboard yacht Splendour
- With Robert Wagner
- Christopher Walken present
- Argument occurred
- Found drowned next morning
The Mystery
Unanswered questions:
- How did she enter water?
- Fresh bruises on body
- Was she unconscious?
- Why no search that night?
- What really happened?
The Investigation
Official findings:
- Accidental drowning (1981)
- Reopened 2011
- Changed to “undetermined”
- Wagner named person of interest (2018)
- No charges filed
The Theories
What might have occurred:
- Fell while untying dinghy
- Pushed during argument
- Tried to escape
- Accident while drinking
- Never determined
Captain’s Account
Dennis Davern:
- Changed story decades later
- Said argument was violent
- Didn’t call for help
- Wagner prevented search
- Controversial testimony