French-born actress and singer Claudine Longet, whose name became permanently linked to one of the most controversial celebrity criminal cases of the 1970s, has died at the age of 84.
Her death was confirmed by her nephew, Bryan Longet, through a message shared on social media.
Although Longet built a successful entertainment career as both a singer and actress, she remained widely known for the 1976 shooting death of her boyfriend, Olympic skier Vladimir ‘Spider’ Sabich.
Sabich, a professional skier and former Olympic athlete, died after being shot inside the couple’s Aspen, Colorado home on March 21, 1976. He was 31 years old.
According to reports from the time, Longet told investigators the shooting was accidental and claimed the firearm discharged while Sabich was showing her how to use the weapon, a World War II-era Luger handgun.
During later court proceedings, Longet described Sabich as both her partner and closest friend, saying the couple deeply cared for one another despite difficulties in the relationship.
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However, investigators also learned that Longet had reportedly been considering moving out before the shooting occurred. The couple had been together for approximately four years.
The investigation into Sabich’s death quickly became highly controversial due to multiple errors made during the handling of evidence. Reports indicated that some materials collected by investigators — including diary entries and blood evidence — were later ruled inadmissible because they had been obtained without proper warrants.
Ultimately, Longet was convicted of misdemeanor negligent homicide rather than more serious criminal charges. She received a sentence of probation and a short jail term.
Before her relationship with Sabich, Longet had been married to legendary singer Andy Williams, with whom she shared three children.
Despite the scandal overshadowing much of her later public image, Longet remained one of the most talked-about figures connected to early celebrity crime cases in Hollywood history.
