AUTOPSY ON SHATNER'S WIFE

LOS ANGELES -- Alcohol and the sedative Valium contributed to the
drowning of William Shatner's wife, according to autopsy findings
released Tuesday.

The cause of Nerine Shatner's death on Aug. 8 was "drowning associated
with neck trauma" and was accidental, coroner's spokesman Scott
Carrier said.

Shatner suffered a broken neck when she dived or fell into the pool as
a result of being intoxicated, the autopsy said. Her blood-alcohol
level was 0.28 percent, more than three times the legal limit in California.

Shatner, 40, was alone at the couple's Studio City estate when she
drowned. Police had said there was no evidence of foul play.

William Shatner, star of Star Trek and former host of Rescue 911,
found his wife's body at the bottom of the pool. He was unable to
resuscitate her, authorities said.

The Shatners had been married two years. He filed for divorce last
year, but they later reconciled.

It was William Shatner's third marriage.