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The Strange Drowning of Natalie Wood

BuzzFeed Unsolved Network・20 minutes read

Natalie Wood's mysterious death on a yacht with Robert Wagner and Christopher Walken involves conflicting testimonies and theories, with questions surrounding her accidental drowning still unresolved. The case remains open, with new evidence leading to changes in the cause of death, but the truth behind Wood's tragic end remains unknown.

Insights

  • Natalie Wood's fear of dark water, stemming from a childhood incident, adds a poignant layer to her tragic death, hinting at unresolved fears and trauma that may have played a role in the events leading up to her disappearance.
  • Conflicting testimonies, forensic evidence, and witness accounts surrounding Natalie Wood's death point to a complex and murky situation, suggesting the possibility of foul play and raising questions about the true circumstances of her demise, keeping the case open and enigmatic.

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Recent questions

  • How did Natalie Wood die?

    Accidental drowning with undetermined factors.

  • Who was Natalie Wood married to?

    Robert Wagner.

  • What was Natalie Wood afraid of?

    Dark water.

  • Who was on the yacht with Natalie Wood before her death?

    Robert Wagner and Christopher Walken.

  • What was Natalie Wood's blood alcohol level?

    At least .14.

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Summary

00:00

Natalie Wood's Mysterious Death: Unanswered Questions

  • Natalie Wood's body was discovered on November 29, 1981, at 7:30 am, floating in the Pacific Ocean near Catalina's Islands Blue Cavern Point, wearing specific clothing like a flannel nightgown, blue wool socks, and a red down jacket.
  • Wood, a renowned Hollywood star, had a history of fear of dark water, stemming from a childhood incident where a bridge collapsed, leading to a broken wrist and intensified phobia.
  • Her relationships, notably with Robert Wagner, involved multiple marriages and divorces, with Wood expressing feelings of not truly knowing herself due to external influences.
  • The weekend before her death, Wood was on a yacht with Wagner and Christopher Walken, with reports of jealousy and tension among the group, including arguments and heavy drinking.
  • Witness accounts suggest a tumultuous night on the yacht, with reports of shouting and distress calls, leading to Wood's disappearance and subsequent discovery in the ocean.
  • Wagner and Davern made a distress call to the coast guard after Wood went missing from the yacht, with her body found a mile away, and the dinghy she presumably left on washed up on the rocks.
  • The evening before her disappearance involved a dinner where Wood seemed upset, leading to a glass-throwing incident attributed to Walken, who was described as flirtatious with Wood.
  • Reports of shouting for help and a mocking response from a man on a nearby boat raised questions about the events surrounding Wood's disappearance.
  • Wagner described a political debate with Walken on the night of Wood's disappearance, claiming no anger or fight occurred, and Wood was found missing only when he went to say goodnight.
  • The circumstances surrounding Wood's death remain controversial, with conflicting testimonies and unanswered questions about the events leading to her tragic end.

10:04

Natalie Wood's Mysterious Death: Unsolved Enigma

  • Natalie Wood was found dead in the water, with her blood alcohol level at least .14, leading to her death being ruled accidental.
  • The theory proposed by the LA County Coroner's Office suggests that Wood fell into the water while trying to board The Valiant, likely due to her inebriated state.
  • Wood's sister, Lana Wood, disputes this theory, stating that Natalie was not a swimmer and would not have attempted to board another boat or shore in a nightgown and socks.
  • Robert Wagner theorized that Wood slipped on the steps of the dinghy, hitting her head against the boat, leading to her death.
  • Forensic evidence, including untouched algae on the swim step, contradicts Wagner's theory, suggesting Wood may have been trying to board the dinghy.
  • Captain Davern claims Wagner smashed a wine bottle in a jealous rage over Wood and Walken's interactions, indicating a possible motive for foul play.
  • Davern's account aligns more closely with other witness testimonies and evidence, suggesting that Wagner may have been involved in Wood's death.
  • The case was reopened in 2011, leading to the cause of death being changed to "Drowning and other undetermined factors" in 2012 due to new evidence.
  • The LA County Sheriff Department's spokesman describes the case as open and ongoing, with Wagner not considered a suspect.
  • Despite conflicting theories and testimonies, the truth behind Natalie Wood's death remains elusive, leaving the case unsolved and shrouded in mystery.
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