Natalie Wood Investigation Reopened By Authorities

Authorities announced they will reopen the investigation of actress Natalie Wood’s 1981 drowning death. The Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Office didn’t initially make any further comments regarding the investigation on Thursday night, but stated there will be a news conference later today.

The actress’ sister, Lana Wood, asked that the case be reopened, but L.A. County Sheriff’s Deputy Benjamin Grubb told CNN, “I don’t know if that’s related, but that’s what the press conference is about.”

The new investigation coincides with the 30th anniversary of her death. She was found floating in the Pacific Ocean near Catalina Island on Nov. 29, 1981. It was nearly a mile away from the yacht she and her husband were on and according to police reports, she was in sleepwear.

There has been debate whether or not the drowning was an accident ever since it happened. Autopsy reports showed facial abrasions and bruises along her arms.

Even Dennis Darvern, the captain of the yacht Woods and her husband, Robert Wagner, were on during the trip, believes her death was the result of a fight. He provided a detailed account in his 2009 book Goodbye Natalie, Goodbye Splendour.

The news conference will air at 11 a.m. local time (2 p.m. EST).

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