The Case of Natalie - Wood You Believe?

After carefully evaluating all the facts in the death of Natalie Wood, Los Angeles County Coroner, Thomas Noguchi, came to the plausible conclusion that she had accidentally drowned on the night of November 28, 1981 - Medical Examiner's Case No. 81-15167, CLOSED...or is it?

Born Natasha Gurdin on July 20, 1938, she achieved legendary status for her brilliant roles in such notable movies as Miracle on 34th Street, Splendor in the Grass and Rebel Without a Cause. She would also follow in what some said were the cursed footsteps of her fellow "Rebel" thespians, James Dean and Sal Mineo, all of whom died young, and under tragic circumstances.

Married to Robert Wagner in 1957, and again in 1972, after squeezing in a brief marriage to British film producer Richard Gregson, Natalie seemingly had it all: Success, fame, a happy marriage and two wonderful children. She also shared a love for the sea with Wagner, and spent a great deal of time aboard their yacht, Splendour.

Enjoying a Thanksgiving weekend at the Isthmus with close friend Christopher Walken (while on hiatus from the film Brainstorm), the three were celebrating at one of their favorite "haunts". That evening would end the life of one of the cinema's most charismatic leading ladies. The public and press, who followed her during her career, were stunned by her sudden death, and they wanted answers - Controversy followed.

According to the Coroner's report, and after an extensive investigation, Wood was believed to have slipped while trying to board a dinghy attached to the Splendour. She fell into the cold November off-shore water, was swept away by ocean currents, and clung to the dinghy while paddling toward Blue Cavern Point. Tragically, she succumbed to hypothermia less than two-hundred yards from shore. The combination of the weight of her water-soaked jacket, the icy water and intense struggle to remain alive, finally took its deadly toll.

Questions remained: Why did Wood try to leave the Splendour alone that night, dressed in a nightgown, socks and jacket, while still feeling the effects of alcohol consumption? Did loud music blaring from the party-like atmosphere from the island and other boats force her to seek solitude? Did the constant pounding of the dinghy against the side of the boat cause her to get out of bed and attempt to re-adjust the dinghy, when she fell into the water?

Although her case has been officially put to rest, it appears that Natalie Wood's spirit is not. Fifteen years after her untimely death in 1981, the ghost of Natalie Wood was spotted at Two Harbors, near the area where she drowned. Even though the respondents wish to remain anonymous, Wood has been sighted along the main road to the Ishtmus, as well as on the beach fronting the bay where she used to come ashore. All of the sightings have been during the winter months, when the Isthmus is a quiet and peaceful place to visit.

Perhaps Wood is searching for clues to the mystery of her early demise. Could it be that she is reaching beyond the grave in the hope of finally putting her spirit to rest? Senseless tragedy often leaves a "psychic scar" in the area where it occurred. She may be continually reliving that fateful November evening, not comprehending that she has passed away.

Whatever your beliefs, the authors hope that you will enjoy Santa Catalina Island as much as they have, relishing its mystery, charm and history.

Until then...HAPPY HAUNTING!