Actress-singer Claudine Longet dies at 84 after life marked by fame and trial

French-born actress and singer Claudine Longet, whose life and career became overshadowed by the controversial 1976 shooting death of Olympic skier Vladimir 'Spider' Sabich, has died at the age of 84.

Longet’s death was confirmed by her nephew Bryan Longet through a post shared on Instagram. While she enjoyed success as both a recording artist and television performer during the 1960s and 1970s, she remained widely linked to the fatal shooting that shocked Aspen, Colorado, nearly five decades ago.

On March 21, 1976, Sabich — a former Olympic skier and prominent figure in the professional skiing world — was shot in the abdomen at the Aspen home he shared with Longet. He was 31 years old at the time and died while being transported to a hospital.

Authorities said Longet fired the fatal shot using a World War II-era Luger handgun. During court proceedings, she maintained that the shooting was accidental and occurred while Sabich was showing her how to operate the firearm.

“Spider and I loved each other very much,” Longet testified during the 1977 trial. “I think we were the best of friends.”

However, reports at the time also indicated that Longet had been searching for another place to live before Sabich’s death, despite the couple having been together for four years.

The investigation and subsequent trial drew significant media attention and became mired in controversy after several law enforcement errors complicated the case. According to reports, key evidence — including Longet’s diary and blood samples — was ruled inadmissible because investigators obtained them without a warrant.

Longet was ultimately convicted of misdemeanor negligent homicide rather than felony manslaughter. She received a sentence of two years’ probation and 30 days in jail.

Before her relationship with Sabich, Longet had been married to legendary singer Andy Williams. The couple shared three children and were considered one of entertainment’s high-profile celebrity pairings during the height of Williams’ fame.

Though her artistic career included music releases, television appearances and acting work, Longet’s name remained permanently tied to one of the most notorious celebrity criminal cases of the 1970s.