Natalie Wood’s Mysterious Death: Unraveling the Timeline

The tragic death of Hollywood actress Natalie Wood has long been shrouded in mystery and heartbreak.

Known for her iconic roles in films like West Side Story and Rebel Without a Cause, Wood drowned in 1981 at the age of 43.

However, the circumstances surrounding her untimely demise remain unclear even to this day.

In HBO's new documentary, Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind, Wood's daughter Natasha Gregson Wagner delves into her mother's life and death, conducting fresh interviews with those closest to her.

One significant interview is with Wood's husband, actor Robert Wagner, who many suspect may have played a role in foul play.

To shed light on Wood's passing, here is a timeline of the known events that continue to baffle investigators.

Late November 1981:
After Thanksgiving, Wood and Wagner made plans for one of their frequent boat trips to Catalina Island.

Despite inviting several friends to join, only Christopher Walken, Wood's Brainstorm co-star, accepted the invitation.

The couple was also accompanied by Dennis Davern, the captain of their yacht, Splendour.

November 28, 1981:
Wood, Wagner, Walken, and Davern enjoyed a dinner filled with champagne at Doug's Harbor Reef in Catalina.

Concerned about their level of intoxication, the night manager, Don Whiting, asked the Harbor Patrol to ensure their safe return to the yacht.

The toxicology report later revealed that Wood had a blood alcohol content of 0.14 percent.

According to Wagner, he had a heated conversation with Walken after dinner, while Wood was elsewhere on the boat.

Around 11:05 p.m., it was discovered that Wood had gone missing, and the boat's dinghy was also gone.

November 29, 1981:
At 1:30 a.m., a ship-to-shore call was made, and at 3:30 a.m., the Coast Guard was finally contacted.

This delay in calling for help has raised questions among investigators.

Around 8 a.m., Wood's lifeless body was found about a mile south of the yacht, in an isolated cove known as Blue Cavern Point.

November 30, 1981:
Dr. Joseph Choi performed an autopsy on Wood and ruled her death an accident.

The autopsy revealed bruises on her arms, legs, and face, consistent with a fall overboard while attempting to board the dinghy.

Her blood alcohol levels were also noted.

September 1, 1997:
Walken broke his silence on Wood's death during an interview with Playboy Magazine.

He shared his theory that Wood had gone out to move the dinghy and slipped due to the slippery ski ramp.

Walken emphasized that only Wood knows what truly happened that night.

November 17, 2011:
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reopened the investigation into Wood's death after receiving new information from unidentified sources.

November 18, 2011:
During an interview with NBC's Today, Dennis Davern admitted to lying about Wood's death when initially questioned by police.

He also claimed that Wagner was responsible for the tragedy.

January 14, 2013:
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department changed Wood's cause of death from accidental drowning to “drowning and other undetermined factors.”

This change came after discovering bruises on Wood's body that may have occurred before her drowning, although the exact timing could not be confirmed.

February 1, 2018:
Robert Wagner was officially named a person of interest in Wood's death by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

2020:
In Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind, Natasha Gregson Wagner confronts her stepfather, Robert Wagner, about speculation surrounding his involvement in her mother's death.

Wagner denies any responsibility, and Gregson Wagner stands firmly by his side, believing he had no part in the tragic event.

The mystery surrounding Natalie Wood's death continues to captivate and haunt Hollywood, leaving unanswered questions that may never be fully resolved.