Natalie Wood was a renowned and adored actress in Hollywood who met an untimely and tragic death in 1981 when she drowned near Catalina Island. Since then, her passing has been enshrouded in mystery, and there have been numerous theories and speculations about what led up to the tragic incident.

Who was Natalie Wood?

Wood began her career at the age of four, and went on to become a Hollywood icon, delivering memorable performances in films such as “Rebel Without a Cause,” “Splendor in the Grass,” and “West Side Story.” Her personal life was also well-known, with her relationships with high-profile actors like James Dean and Robert Wagner being widely reported.

The Night of Natalie Wood’s Disappearance

On November 28, 1981, Wood, Wagner, and fellow actor Christopher Walken took a weekend trip to Catalina Island on their yacht, the Splendour. According to reports, tensions were high between Wood and Wagner, and an argument ensued between the couple and Walken. Some reports suggest that the argument may have been related to Wood’s jealousy of Walken’s recent Academy Award win for his role in “The Deer Hunter,” while others speculate that it may have been related to rumors of Wagner’s infidelity.

As the night wore on, the argument reportedly escalated, and Wood and Wagner continued to argue in their cabin. The last moments before Wood’s disappearance are still the subject of much speculation. According to Wagner’s initial statement to authorities, he went to bed after the argument, leaving Wood and Walken alone on the deck of the yacht. However, in his 2008 memoir, “Pieces of My Heart,” Wagner wrote that he and Walken had continued to argue after he went to bed, and that Wood had left the cabin at some point, possibly to get fresh air.

Wood’s body was found the following morning by a passing boat, and she was wearing a nightgown and a down jacket. Her socks and a red down-filled jacket were found on the yacht’s dinghy. While some believe that her death was a tragic accident, others have suggested that foul play may have been involved, pointing to the inconsistencies in the original investigation and the new evidence that has emerged in recent years.

Investigation

The death of actress Natalie Wood has been shrouded in controversy and speculation since her body was found off the coast of California in 1981. Initially, investigators concluded that her death was the result of accidental drowning after she fell overboard and hit her head on the dinghy attached to the Splendour, the yacht she was on with her husband Robert Wagner, and actor Christopher Walken.

However, over time, questions were raised about the circumstances surrounding her death, leading to speculation that foul play may have been involved. The case was reopened in 2011, and one of the crucial witnesses was Dennis Davern, the yacht’s captain. Davern claimed that Wagner and Wood had been arguing, and he overheard Wagner saying, “Get off my f***ing boat,” just before Wood disappeared.

In 2018, the investigation into Natalie Wood’s death was reopened and Robert Wagner was named a “person of interest.” The authorities claimed to have new evidence and witnesses, but no charges were filed against Wagner. Wagner has maintained his innocence and cooperated fully with the investigation according to his lawyer.

However, the investigation has faced criticism for not pursuing certain leads or considering certain evidence, leading to a lack of concrete evidence and many unanswered questions. This has led to various theories and speculations over the years, with some suggesting that Wood’s death was the result of foul play by someone on the yacht, while others believe that Wagner was directly involved. Some have even suggested the possibility of Wood’s death being a suicide, pointing to her history of depression and substance abuse.

Theories and Speculations

The mystery surrounding the death of Natalie Wood has led to a variety of speculations and theories over the years. One theory suggests that Wagner and Wood got into a physical altercation that resulted in her falling overboard. Another theory suggests that Wood may have been trying to escape an abusive relationship with Wagner. Others have pointed to the influence of Hollywood and the media, suggesting that the case may have been covered up or downplayed due to the involvement of high-profile individuals.

Another theory suggests that Wood’s death may have been the result of foul play by someone else on the yacht that night. Some have speculated that a crew member or an intruder may have been responsible for her death, either intentionally or accidentally.

Others have pointed to the possibility of Wood’s death being a suicide, citing her history of depression and her struggles with alcohol and prescription drug abuse. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this theory.

Despite the various theories and speculations, the truth about Natalie Wood’s death remains elusive. While the investigation has been reopened multiple times, no new evidence has definitively pointed to foul play or exonerated anyone involved.

The Unveiling of New Evidence in Natalie Wood’s Biography by  Suzanne Finstad

In 2001, Suzanne Finstad released a biography of Wood, titled Natasha, which provided new insights into the night of her death. Nearly twenty years later, Finstad is releasing Natalie Wood: The Complete Biography, which contains new information that reinforces the conclusion that Wood’s drowning was not accidental.

Finstad’s book examines the distressing past of Natalie Wood, revealing her phobias and superstitions. Wood’s childhood was marked by domestic violence, an alcoholic father, and an unhealthy attachment to her stage mother. As a child actor, Wood suffered psychological abuse and sexual exploitation.

Finstad exposes the end of Wood’s first marriage to Robert Wagner, revealing that only a few people were aware of Natalie’s account of finding Wagner with another man in their Beverly Hills mansion.

The book explores the psychological harm and abuse that led to Wood’s repeated suicide attempts and fear of being alone at night. Finstad reveals that Wood’s greatest apprehension was based on a prophecy her mother was told by a Gypsy – that she would perish in dark water.

Finstad’s research indicates that Natalie Wood’s drowning was not an accident. She had access to the “murder book,” the official record of a homicide investigation, and uncovered clues that revealed what truly happened on the last weekend of Wood’s life. Finstad’s evidence suggests that not only was Wood’s death not an accident, but the investigation that followed was nearly non-existent.

Finstad also reveals Robert Wagner’s role in Wood’s drowning, suggesting that he declined to search for her for two and a half hours when she went missing from their boat in the waters off Catalina Island. Through her extensive research, Finstad has uncovered the entire tragic tale of Wood’s drowning and its aftermath, exposing hidden information about her life and death.

Natalie Wood’s Death Remains Unsolved

Natalie Wood’s unsolved death continues to captivate audiences and inspire theories and speculations. Despite multiple investigations and new evidence emerging over the years, the circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear.

While the truth may never be fully known, Natalie Wood’s legacy lives on through her memorable performances and contributions to the film industry. She will always be remembered as a Hollywood icon whose life was cut tragically short.

Source:

Natalie Wood’s Drowning Was Not an Accident”: A New Book’s Shocking Findings – Vanity Fair

In Natalie Wood case, beware Hollywood theories