Natalie Wood's Cause of Death Changed from 'Accident' to 'Undetermined'

New Ruling Stems from Still-Active Investigation

Remember a few months back when a lot of hullaballoo was raised over the 1981 death of Hollywood actress Natalie Wood? After a night of drinking and arguing with husband Robert Wagner and their friend, actor Christopher Walken, aboard the couple's moored yacht off California's Catalina Island, Natalie was found dead in the water the next morning. She was only 43.

Natalie Wood

At the time, her death was ruled an accidental drowning. But in November 2011, the case was reopened following incendiary statements from the boat's captain, who claimed to have new evidence.

According to the captain, Wood and Wagner had been arguing loudly the evening of her disappearance. The captain then heard a loud thumping sound, then silence. The captain then said Wagner later told him, "Natalie is missing."

READ: Why the Captain's Book Triggered Re-Opened Investigation

The case was reopened but neither Wagner nor Walken were questioned again by police.

However, TMZ is now reporting that Wood's family is being told they cannot prove the cause of death was an accident or foul play. Therefore, it's is now being classified as ‘undetermined.'

Sadly, that means even less closure for the loved ones of Natalie Wood, while one of Hollywood's most notorious and mysterious deaths remains unsolved.

According to authorities, the case is still actively open.