Shatner: No Cause Of Death Yet
It could be weeks before an official cause of death is determined in the apparent drowning of William Shatner's wife, Nerine.
The autopsy was completed Wednesday, but an investigator with the Los Angeles coroner's office says officials are waiting for toxicology results before ecalling the death an accident. It could be days or weeks until those results are ready.
The Star Trek star says he returned home from visiting two of his three daughters late Monday night and found his wife at the bottom of their swimming pool. The actor dove in and pulled her out of the water, but was unable to resuscitate her, authorities said.
Nerine Kidd married the 68-year-old actor in Pasadena in November 1997. A month before their first anniversary, the Shatners separated, reports CBS Station KCBS-TV in Los Angeles.
On Oct. 21, 1998, William Shatner filed for divorce, asking that no alimony be granted, said news wires. But the couple had since reconciled, Nerine Shatner's agent told the Los Angeles Times.
According to the Globe, a supermarket tabloid, Kidd, a former model, had undergone treatment for alcoholism twice during her marriage to Shatner, including a stay at the Betty Ford Clinic.
On Tuesday, Shatner spoke tearfully to reporters at his Studio City estate, saying in part, "My beautiful wife is dead. She meant everything to me."
At the couple's wedding, Shatner called her "my queen" and told the guests, "Nerine pummeled her way into my heart. At my age, to have romance and energy, love and enlightenment is astounding."
Serving as best man at that ceremony was Leonard Nimoy, one of Shatner's Star Trek co-stars.
The 40-year-old aspiring actress was Shatner's third wife. His first wife, with whom he had three children, was Gloria Rand and his second wife was actress Marcy Lafferty.
Police say the death appears accidental and they don't suspect foul play.
A memorial fund has been established in Nerine Shatner's name to help those suffering from alcoholism and drug dependency. Contributions can be sent to:
Nerine Shatner Memorial Fund
Friendly House
347 South Normandy Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90020
Condolences can be sent to shatner@shatner.com.