On this poignant day, exactly thirty-seven years ago on November 29, 1981, Hollywood lost a beloved icon, Natalie Wood, at the tender age of 43. Her untimely death, initially ruled as an accidental drowning after falling overboard from her husband Robert Wagner's yacht, the Splendour, has always been shrouded in mystery. However, the compelling 12-part podcast Fatal Voyage: The Mysterious Death of Natalie Wood, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and other podcast platforms, takes a deep dive into the enigmatic events surrounding that fateful night. This podcast has unearthed startling new details, leaving listeners with more questions than answers. As we commemorate Natalie’s passing, let’s delve into seven of the most shocking revelations from Fatal Voyage: The Mysterious Death of Natalie Wood.

Detective Claims Natalie Could Have Been a Victim of Assault

In the opening episode of the podcast, Detective Ralph Hernandez from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department made a startling claim that Natalie might have been a victim of assault before her tragic demise. This revelation contradicts the original 1981 report, which suggested that the bruises on her body were caused by her struggle to climb back onto the yacht after falling overboard. Hernandez’s assertion adds a sinister layer to the already perplexing mystery, suggesting foul play might have been involved.

Robert Wagner Natalie Wood — Getty Images

According to Detective Hernandez, the case is as crucial as a homicide investigation, and uncovering the truth is paramount. “We have someone who died under very suspicious circumstances, and it’s just as important of a case as a murder,” Hernandez said in an interview with the podcast’s host, Dylan Howard, an investigative journalist. He emphasized the need for conclusive evidence to reveal the truth behind Natalie’s death.

Robert Wagner’s Reluctance to Cooperate Adds to Suspicion

Following Natalie’s death, her husband Robert Wagner, who was later named a "person of interest" in the case, consistently refused to assist law enforcement in their investigation. In Chapter 1 of Fatal Voyage, Detective Hernandez disclosed that Robert’s inconsistent statements and reluctance to cooperate have fueled suspicions of foul play. “R.J.’s lack of participation in our reopening [the case], his changing of the story certainly adds to our suspicions about the case,” Hernandez explained.

Hernandez further elaborated, “We’d love to solve this case. We’d love to come to the truth, whatever that truth might be. We would love to at least bring closure to the people that deserve to know the truth.” His words underscore the urgency and importance of uncovering the truth about Natalie’s death.