Robert Wagner's Statements About Natalie Wood
Robert Wagner has publicly discussed the circumstances surrounding Natalie Wood's death in multiple interviews and legal filings. In a 2021 interview with the Daily Mail, Wagner acknowledged that he and Christopher Walken argued on the boat the night she died, and he admitted to drinking alcohol before the incident. He stated he did not see Wood enter the water and maintained that he was not responsible for her death. These statements were part of a broader effort to address lingering questions from the 1981 drowning incident, which remains classified as an accidental death by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office.
Wagner's account has been scrutinized by investigators and the public for decades. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reopened the case in 2011 and again in 2018, reviewing new witness statements and evidence. Despite the renewed attention, no criminal charges were filed against Wagner. The official autopsy report and coroner's findings continue to list the cause of death as accidental drowning, with hypothermia and alcohol contributing factors. Wagner's legal representatives have consistently denied any wrongdoing and have cooperated with law enforcement inquiries over the years.
Timeline of the Investigation and Official Findings
1981 Initial Investigation
The initial investigation into Natalie Wood's death was conducted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department after her body was recovered from San Pedro Bay on November 29, 1981. The case was closed shortly after, with the death ruled accidental. The boat's captain, Dennis Davern, later provided conflicting accounts, which prompted renewed interest in the circumstances of the incident.
2011 and 2018 Case Reopenings
In 2011, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reopened the case based on new witness accounts and inconsistencies in the original statements. The department conducted a thorough review of the evidence, including interviews with Wagner, Walken, and Davern. In 2018, the case was reopened again after Davern provided additional details in a documentary and a book. Despite these developments, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office declined to file charges, citing insufficient evidence to prove criminal liability beyond a reasonable doubt.
Legal and Public Records
Court documents and public records related to the Natalie Wood case are accessible through the Los Angeles County Superior Court and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The coroner's report, which is a matter of public record, details the forensic findings and toxicology results. These documents confirm that Wood had a blood alcohol level of 0.14 percent and had taken a cold medication containing diphenhydramine before the incident. The official records also note that the boat was found partially submerged near Catalina Island, with damage consistent with a collision or impact.
Robert Wagner's estate and legal team have continued to manage public statements and legal matters related to the case. The National Enquirer and other outlets have published accounts based on interviews and court filings, though the accuracy of some claims has been questioned. The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office remains the primary authority on the official cause and manner of death. For additional details on the case status and public records, you can refer to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department website at https://www.lasd.org and the Los Angeles County Superior Court portal at https://www.lacourt.org.