Natalie Wood death date: key status and facts
Natalie Wood died on November 29, 1981. The actress was found in the water near Santa Catalina Island, California, and was pronounced dead the same day. Her death was officially ruled an accidental drowning combined with hypothermia, with contributing factors including intoxication and possible adverse effects of prescription medications. This summary outlines the timeline, investigations, and consistent reporting around her passing, while clarifying common points of confusion with speculative or anecdotal claims.
Timeline of events leading to and following death
On November 25, 1981, Wood boarded the yacht Splendour with her husband Robert Wagner, guest Christopher Walken, and others to shoot the film Brainstorm. On November 28, she left the yacht in a dinghy with Walken and fellow guest Dennis Davern, then returned alone. Early on November 29, crew members noticed her absence; a search began shortly after. Later that day, Wood was found floating in the water approximately 400 to 500 yards from the yacht. Emergency services responded, but she was unresponsive and declared dead at the scene.
Discovery and initial reporting
Wood was discovered in the early morning hours and transported by helicopter to a hospital in Los Angeles, where arrival time was estimated around 11:10 AM. First reports of her death appeared in mid-day newswire feeds that day. Police and the coroner launched an immediate investigation, preserving evidence from the yacht and performing an autopsy. The official death certificate recorded the date as November 29, 1981.
Official findings and investigations
Los Angeles County coroner ruled Wood's cause of death accidental drowning and hypothermia, with contributing conditions listed as alcohol intoxication and possible sensitivity to medications, including a prescription sedative. In 2012, based on newly available statements and forensic review, the coroner’s office amended the ruling to reflect undetermined intent while maintaining the central conclusion of accidental drowning. Multiple investigations and public statements from surviving crew and family have affirmed the basic facts of when and how she died.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | November 29, 1981 | Death certificate, news reports |
| Location | Near Santa Catalina Island, California | Coroner, police reports |
| Official cause | Accidental drowning, hypothermia, intoxication | Coroner’s reports, investigative summaries |
| Age at time | 43 years old | Biographical records |
Public confusion and common questions
Confusion sometimes arises from the extraordinary circumstances and later search efforts that briefly located the dinghy and other items. Some reports over time have speculated about different dates or altered circumstances, but those claims are not supported by official documentation. The consistent record across death certificates, law enforcement files, and contemporaneous news is that Natalie Wood died on November 29, 1981. Clarifying factual details helps separate verified timelines from rumor and later fictionalized portrayals.
Context and lasting impact
Wood's death marked the end of a promising film and television career that began in childhood. Her final completed film, Brainstorm, remained unfinished for theatrical release and was completed for television after her passing. Coverage of the event has emphasized both her contributions to cinema and the unresolved questions about the night of the accident. Accurate reporting on her death date and circumstances supports informed discussion of her legacy.
Key distinctions and summary points
- Natalie Wood's death date is November 29, 1981, widely documented and corroborated.
- Official cause: accidental drowning and hypothermia with intoxication as a contributing factor.
- The incident occurred near Santa Catalina Island during production of Brainstorm.
- Subsequent investigations reaffirmed the basic facts, though some details remain labeled undetermined.
- Speculative claims about different dates or scenarios are inconsistent with primary records.