Natalie Wood Drowning Death, Cold Case or Case Closed? New Push from Star's Family to Re-Open Case

By: Edecio Martinez, Barry Leibowitz
Topics: Daily Blotter

Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner (Credit: AP Photo)

NEW YORK (CBS) Twenty-eight years after the mysterious drowning death of screen star Natalie Wood, the captain who sailed with her the night she died, and Wood's sister, Lana, are asking the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office to reopen the case, according to a CNN report Monday.

"I just want the truth to come out, the real story," Lana Wood told CNN.

Lana Wood said she believes a big argument between Natalie Wood and her husband, actor Robert Wagner, preceded Wood's drowning, although she does not think the death involved foul play.

Dennis Davern, former captain of the yacht the couple was on, has written that he believes Wood's death was a direct result of the argument.

In his own book, "Pieces of My Heart," Wagner acknowledged he and Wood had a fight on the boat.

Though investigators have not responded to the request for reopen the case, according to CNN the sheriff has said in recent years that the case was closed and that the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office ruled Wood's death an accident.

As a young star, Natalie Wood appeared in movies such as "Rebel Without a Cause" and most notably had the lead role in "West Side Story."

Ironically, Wood had a paralyzing fear of water but, while filming "Splendor in the Grass," learned to overcome that fear. The boat she was on the night she died was called "The Splendor," to honor her conquering her fear. On the night of November 29, 1981, Wood went overboard and drowned.

"The star's drowning death is one of Hollywood's most enduring mysteries," says CNN.

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by abxchange September 10, 2010 5:46 AM EDT: It says in one article that it was the captain and Lana Woods who want to reopen this case. I'm sure Robert Wagner wouldn't want that.; Reply to this comment


by Virrtual2010 June 17, 2010 11:56 AM EDT: Justice is Justice regardless of who's life it involves. A accident turned into a cover up is what happened. Pretty Simple stuff and the point that you missed was...New Evidence is coming out in his book. New Evidence? Evidence that for some reason needs to come out to hopefully clear his name, but it just makes him look more guilty. We didn't need an excuse we were done with it, but no his Ego got to him or someone got to his ego. And good point we have a BP problem right now so how convenient he brings this out now when he hopes that it won't get much attention. People that say don't worry about other people worry about yourself tells me that you have something to hide. Well get with the program pal! We all have something to hide and it's time we all come clean!; Reply to this comment


by astaire10 May 9, 2010 4:54 AM EDT: Natalie was a BEAUTIFUL gal whose Best work was still in front of her. I remember when that story broke; it was a shock to everybody around the world, and a ghastly tragedy. I dont know what Wagner is hiding, if anything. He's a good man who loved her and cares deeply for their girls. I hope the TRUTH of that night has been told, at least to a good psychologist.COVERUPS stink! I should think the Kennedy part in M M's death should have been proof of that to RJ. I HOPE he's been straight about it, cause it killed a lot of folks inside when that radiant spirit was lost to us.; Reply to this comment

by kevnew March 13, 2010 3:14 PM EST

I agree with the last comment, you all have to much time on your hands and must be very sad people to take the time to slag each other off on the internet and name calling. There is enough troubles around for all of us going on in the world NOW. I bet your the sort of peoplethat if asked about the wars and attacks going on right now you would declare patriotism blah blah for you neighbor. God, i know I wouldn't want you watching my back. Get a life and stop being abusive, teach our kids something right to carry on.

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by maccount March 22, 2010 1:56 PM EDT: Apparentlly, you too have alot of time on your hands since you not ONLY READ the comment, but you also made your statement - same rule to you, get a life!!!


by michaelm07 March 11, 2010 3:45 AM EST: Yes it was a sad event. Hollywood is full of weird and spoiled people who live in an alternate reality from the rest of us. But reading some of the comments and how passionate some people sound on here, you folks have waaay too much time on your hands to get so wrapped up in this. Get a life.; Reply to this comment


by nataliewoodfanforever March 10, 2010 8:02 PM EST: Stop citing Wagner's book.

It is a stack of lies, PROVABLE lies. I am surprised no one in the media has corrected him.

He killed her. GNGS answers all the questions; Reply to this comment


by Annie1896 March 10, 2010 1:10 PM EST: Natalie Wood's death is completely covered in the book Goodbye Natalie Goodbye Splendour but the news keeps mentioning the book of LIES by Wagner. Read GNGS and you will no longer question what happened the night Wood died.; Reply to this comment


by Annie1896 March 10, 2010 1:07 PM EST: Lana is not going for 15 min. of fame. Imagine if this happened to YOUR sister. None of you seem to have read the book Goodbye Natalie Goodbye Splendour and if you would, you would be ashamed of your comments. It is never too late for truth. Something very sinister happened the night Natalie died, and the investigators did NOT investigate!; Reply to this comment


by JenniferK26 March 10, 2010 1:02 PM EST: In Robert Wagner's book, he said the argument was over the shower on the yacht. He wanted to get cleaned up that night, but Natalie said she'd prefer to wash up on shore.; Reply to this comment


by Scimajor March 10, 2010 11:37 AM EST: I have no idea how the accident happened nor does anyone posting about this and I think those people speculating on whether Robert Wagner somehow caused her death neeed to stop.

I agree that her death warrents more investigation but to fling accusations around like you were there on the boat is just plain foolish.; Reply to this comment