It’s been decades since the tragic passing of Hollywood legend Natalie Wood, but the mystery surrounding her death still lingers. Dennis Davern, the captain of the yacht The Splendour where Natalie's death occurred, has finally broken his silence. In a gripping interview with the groundbreaking podcast Fatal Voyage: The Mysterious Death of Natalie Wood, Davern opens up about the haunting moment he was forced to identify her lifeless body.
“It was one of the most painful experiences of my life,” Davern revealed, his voice heavy with emotion. “When I saw her, it was horrifying. Her body was covered in bruises—more than I could have ever imagined. I remember thinking to myself, ‘This poor woman suffered so much.’” According to Davern, it was none other than Natalie’s husband, Robert Wagner, who insisted he take on the grim responsibility of identifying her body. “He wouldn’t do it himself,” Davern explained bitterly. “He left it all to me.”
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Davern’s account paints a chilling picture of the night that changed everything. “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” he continued, his voice trembling. “Bruises on her face, her wrists—they were everywhere. I tried not to focus on them, but it was impossible. It felt like I was looking at someone who had been attacked.” His words echo the findings of Detective Ralph Hernandez, the investigator who reopened the case decades later.
What the Investigators Found
According to Detective Hernandez, who spoke to Fatal Voyage, the evidence suggests something deeply unsettling. “When you look at the bruising, it’s hard to ignore the possibility of foul play,” Hernandez said. “She looked like the victim of a violent assault. With over 30 years of law enforcement experience, I can tell you that these injuries don’t just happen by accident.” Hernandez’s insights are part of Chapter 11 of the 12-part investigative audio documentary, which listeners can now download on iTunes.
“This case is far from closed,” Hernandez added. “Natalie’s death is incredibly suspicious. There are too many unanswered questions, and the evidence suggests there’s more to the story than we’ve been led to believe.”
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A Night to Remember—or Forget?
Natalie’s death happened during what was supposed to be a leisurely cruise with her husband Robert Wagner and close friend Christopher Walken. The trio set sail for Catalina Island off the coast of California in November 1981. But the night took a tragic turn, leaving the world with more questions than answers.
Just days after her passing, the Los Angeles Coroner declared it a tragic accident, stating that Natalie had drowned while slightly intoxicated. However, in 2011, the case was reopened, and the cause of death was revised to “drowning and other undetermined factors.” This decision elevated Robert Wagner to “person of interest” status, though he has steadfastly refused to cooperate with authorities.
Uncovering the Truth
Fatal Voyage is a meticulously researched deep dive into Natalie Wood’s mysterious death. It combines years of investigative journalism with fresh perspectives, offering listeners a chance to piece together the events of that fateful night aboard The Splendour. For anyone curious about the truth behind one of Hollywood’s most enduring mysteries, this podcast is a must-listen.
