I vaguely remember when I was young, a story about an actress who had drowned while drinking on a yacht. It only sticks in my mind because she was as stunningly beautiful as my mum with her dark hair and classic looks.
As a 10yr old my mind was fixed on horses, dogs and riding my bike so it is a bit strange that I can recall the death of Natalie Wood.
Yup, Natalie was petite, gorgeous and talented. She had been a child star and survived into adulthood, starred in some of the most celebrated movies ever including ‘Rebel Without a Cause’, ‘Miracle on 34th Street’, ‘West side Story’ and ‘From Here to Eternity’ and had dated some of the most sought after men too.
Then on 29th November 1981 Natalie drowned. The cause of death is without a doubt, but the grey area appears to be whether husband Robert Wagner (Hart to Hart fame), co-star Christopher Walken (scary actor from Fatboy Slim’s video ‘Weapon of Choice’) or Dennis Davern the Captain of the yacht had anything to do with the drowning.
I’m not suggesting for one moment that any/all/some of the guys mentioned knocked her about a bit then shoved Natalie overboard.
But, come one, I’m no one special and I sure as hell wouldn’t go ashore wearing a long nightgown, socks and a down jacket?
What puzzles me is why has extra information from Captain Davern appeared now? He co-wrote a book ‘Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour’ in 2009 where he said that he thought Natalie had died as a result of her argument with her husband. So this piece of tasty gossip isn’t new.
Then in 2010, Davern said to CNN that he believed the whole investigation was ‘incompetent’ and ‘regrets misleading investigators by keeping quiet at Wagner's request.’
It’s all a bit bizarre really as far as I’m concerned, but the case is being re-opened and Robert Wagner is not a suspect according to LA County Sheriff’s Department. However the LA Times says that ‘A law enforcement source added that the department recently received a letter from an unidentified "third party" who said the captain had "new recollections" about the case. The source spoke on the condition of anonymity because the case was ongoing.’
Wonder if it is Marilyn Wayne who reported hearing a woman call for help on that fateful night? Ok she also said that she could hear others shouting ‘we’re coming to get you’. But what disturbs me is that Wayne and her unidentified friend didn’t attempt to rescue the troubled voice, they just listened to it for 25 minutes. Surely if a rescue attempt hasn’t worked in that space of time someone somewhere possibly needs back-up, support a coast guard maybe?
I’ve watched too many episodes of Criminal Minds to know that people don’t just surrender information because 30 years later they have suddenly remembered it. It is usually for a reason.
