Skipper Davern Identified Natalie Wood
Posted by Staff on Nov 20, 2011 - 9:17:30 PM
HOLLYWOOD—Though
Natalie Wood died about 30 years ago this month, her name still
brings chills to listeners' spines, and it drums up a myriad of theories as
to the events leading up to her premature death. And this past week, representatives of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department indicated that the case would be re-examined.
Wood, who was 43 years old when she died in November 1981, was one of the best known actresses of a generation. Having starred alongside the likes of megastars James Dean and Warren Beatty, and having had starring roles in memorable films such as "West Side Story" and "Rebel Without a Cause," to many, her death seemed like a senseless end to a life of talent and potential.
The investigation into the death of Natalie Wood was reopened.
Wood's body was found in the waters around Catalina, according to the Coroner's Report, specifically, off the Isthmus of Catalina Island. According to the official Los Angeles County Coroner's Report, which was dated November 29, 1981, the box was checked off that she was "found dead by L.A. County Lifeguards." For the official cause of death, the box for "accidental" was checked off, with the note of "probable drowning in ocean."
Dennis Davern, the co-author of a new book on the death of Wood and who has recently been making media rounds to question the official version of Wood's death, was listed on the report as the individual who identified her body. Davern was noted as being the "boat skipper" and his address at the time was in Marina del Rey.
The commonly held story of the night Wood died involved alcohol consumption, perhaps spousal arguments and/or arguments with friend Christopher Walken (who was also onboard), and Wood ultimately accidentally falling into the ocean and drowning. In recent days, allegations have been made by Davern that Wagner did not encourage immediate action to find the missing Wood. Davern alleges that Wagner consciously held off on efforts to find his wife, for hours.
According to the coroner's report, once Wagner "became aware that his wife and the boat's dinghy were both missing," he "immediately radioed for help and a search was begun."
Official records could determine the timing of the call and the time at which Wood drowned and find if a discrepancy exists or not.
The report's "anatomical summary" noted that Wood's body had "superficial skin bruises on the extremities and abrasions on the left side of the face." The report specifically noted bruises on her forearm, knee and ankle.
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