35 Facts About Natalie Wood Death

The Mysterious Death of Natalie Wood

Natalie Wood was a beloved actress whose untimely death in 1981 shocked the world. Her passing remains one of Hollywood's most enduring mysteries. Here are some intriguing facts about her death.

1. Natalie Wood drowned on November 29, 1981. Her body was found off the coast of Catalina Island, California.

2. She was 43 years old. Despite her young age, Wood had already achieved significant fame and success in Hollywood.

3. Wood was on a yacht named Splendour. The yacht was owned by her and her husband, Robert Wagner.

4. Robert Wagner was on the yacht. Wagner, a well-known actor, was present during the night of her disappearance.

5. Christopher Walken was also on the yacht. Walken, a fellow actor, was co-starring with Wood in the film "Brainstorm."

6. The yacht's captain was Dennis Davern. Davern later became a key figure in the investigation.

7. Wood had a fear of water. Friends and family noted her lifelong fear, making her drowning even more puzzling.

8. The official cause of death was accidental drowning. This conclusion was reached after an initial investigation.

9. Alcohol was found in her system. Reports indicated that Wood had been drinking the night she died.

10. There were bruises on her body. The autopsy revealed bruises on her arms and legs, raising questions about a possible struggle.

Reopening the Case

Years after her death, new evidence and testimonies led to the reopening of the case. Here are some facts about these developments.

11. The case was reopened in 2011. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department decided to take another look at the circumstances surrounding her death.

12. Dennis Davern changed his story. The yacht's captain admitted he had lied to investigators initially.

13. Davern implicated Robert Wagner. He suggested that Wagner had been involved in an argument with Wood before she went missing.

14. Wagner was named a person of interest. In 2018, the authorities officially named Wagner as a person of interest in the case.

15. New witnesses came forward. Several individuals provided new information that contradicted earlier accounts.

16. The coroner changed the cause of death. In 2012, the cause of death was amended to "drowning and other undetermined factors."

17. Wood's sister, Lana, has been vocal. Lana Wood has consistently called for further investigation into her sister's death.

18. A documentary was made. The 2020 documentary "Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind" explores her life and mysterious death.

19. Public interest remains high. Decades later, people are still fascinated by the case.

20. Books have been written. Several authors have penned books attempting to unravel the mystery.

Theories and Speculations

Numerous theories and speculations have emerged over the years regarding Natalie Wood's death. Here are some of the most notable ones.

21. Argument theory. Some believe an argument between Wood and Wagner led to her falling overboard.

22. Jealousy theory. Others speculate that Wagner was jealous of Wood's relationship with Walken.

23. Accidental fall theory. Another theory suggests Wood accidentally fell into the water while trying to secure a dinghy.

24. Foul play theory. Some think there was foul play involved, possibly by someone on the yacht.

25. Cover-up theory. There are claims that the true circumstances of her death were covered up to protect certain individuals.

26. Alcohol and medication theory. The combination of alcohol and medication may have impaired her judgment, leading to an accident.

27. Misadventure theory. Some believe it was a tragic misadventure, with no foul play involved.

28. Unresolved questions. Many questions remain unanswered, fueling ongoing speculation.

29. Media frenzy. The case has been a subject of intense media scrutiny for decades.

30. Hollywood's dark side. Wood's death is often cited as an example of the darker side of Hollywood.

Legacy and Impact

Natalie Wood's death has had a lasting impact on her family, friends, and fans. Here are some facts about her legacy.

31. Wood's daughters have spoken out. Her daughters, Natasha Gregson Wagner and Courtney Wagner, have shared their memories and thoughts on the case.

32. Her films remain popular. Movies like "West Side Story" and "Rebel Without a Cause" continue to be celebrated.

33. Wood's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her star remains a popular spot for fans to pay their respects.

34. Annual memorials. Fans and family hold annual memorials to honor her memory.

35. Ongoing investigations. The case remains open, with authorities still seeking answers.

Final Thoughts on Natalie Wood's Mysterious Death

Natalie Wood's death remains one of Hollywood's most enduring mysteries. Despite numerous investigations, questions linger about what really happened that fateful night. Her legacy as a talented actress is overshadowed by the intrigue surrounding her untimely demise. Theories abound, from accidental drowning to foul play, but concrete answers are elusive. Her case highlights the complexities of celebrity life and the intense scrutiny that follows. As new evidence occasionally surfaces, interest in her story is reignited, keeping her memory alive in the public consciousness. Wood's tragic end serves as a reminder of the fragility of life, even for those in the spotlight. While we may never know the full truth, the fascination with her story endures, ensuring that Natalie Wood remains a poignant figure in Hollywood history.