Veteran TV Producer, Writer Dies While Sailing Off Marina del Rey

Steven M. Wasserman, a veteran television producer and writer whose credits include “Beverly Hills 90210,” has died while sailing off Marina del Rey, authorities said Saturday.

Wasserman, 45, of Los Angeles, had joined family and friends aboard the Nairobi Night on Friday for a trip to Santa Catalina Island when he fell overboard about 7 p.m. and lost consciousness.

His ex-wife, Jessica Klein, who was aboard the 30-foot sailboat, said Wasserman was trying to adjust a sail on the bow when a gust of wind knocked him into the sea.

Klein said that rescue efforts by those aboard the Nairobi Night were futile. Wasserman, who reportedly was not wearing a life jacket, was finally lifted from the sea by a Coast Guard helicopter.

He was flown to Torrance Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The accident, which occurred about five miles off Marina del Rey, is under investigation. The coroner’s office is expected to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

“The day he died he had just finished a script and set out on the boat with people that he loved,” Klein said. “Ten to 15 dolphins circled the boat as we sailed. It was a perfect day with a tragic end.”

Wasserman, who collaborated on scripts and productions with Klein throughout his career, worked as a television producer and writer for more than 20 years. His credits include “Northern Exposure,” “Mancuso, FBI,” and “Gabriel’s Fire.”

He worked on “Beverly Hills 90210” for seven years, the last two as executive producer until his departure in 1997. At the time of his death, he was working on a pilot for a television comedy with Klein.

Wasserman is survived by his daughter, Shira; his parents, Bernard and Florence Wasserman of Beachwood, Ohio; and his brothers, Richard of Harrisburg, Pa., and Dennis of Los Angeles.

Klein said that services will be held in Cleveland and at a later date in Los Angeles.