Claudine Longet, the French-born singer and actress who became the center of a notorious manslaughter trial in the 1970s, has died at the age of 84. The Associated Press confirmed her passing on May 15, 2026.
A Life in the Spotlight
Longet gained fame in the 1960s and 1970s as a singer with a gentle voice and as an actress appearing in television shows and films. She was married to pop star Andy Williams from 1961 to 1975, and the couple had three children together.
Her career included hits like "Hello, Hello" and "A Man and a Woman," and she performed on variety shows alongside her husband. However, her life took a dramatic turn in 1976.
The Shooting Incident
On March 21, 1976, Longet's boyfriend, professional skier Vladimir "Spider" Sabich, was found dead from a gunshot wound at their Aspen, Colorado, home. Longet initially claimed the shooting was an accident, but she was charged with manslaughter.
The trial became a media sensation, drawing intense public scrutiny. Longet maintained that the gun discharged accidentally while Sabich was showing her how to use it. The prosecution argued that she had shot him in a fit of jealousy.
Trial and Aftermath
In 1977, a jury found Longet guilty of negligent homicide, a lesser charge than manslaughter. She was sentenced to 30 days in jail, which she served on weekends, and was ordered to pay a fine. The lenient sentence sparked controversy and debate.
Following the trial, Longet largely retreated from public life. She moved to Europe and later returned to the United States, living quietly in Colorado. She rarely gave interviews and stayed out of the spotlight.
Legacy
Despite the notoriety of the case, Longet is remembered by many for her musical contributions and her role in a tragic event that captivated the nation. Her death marks the end of a complex and often misunderstood chapter in entertainment history.
She is survived by her three children and several grandchildren. A private funeral is planned.
