Shivangi Sinha
Netflix’s ‘Titan: The OceanGate Submersible Disaster’ explores the tragic implosion of the Titan submersible and the controversies that followed. The documentary sheds light on OceanGate’s internal workings and includes firsthand accounts from former employees. Many of them also mentioned Wendy Rush, wife of OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush, who stood by him during the company’s run. She has always been a largely private individual but became a figure of interest since the company’s rise and the heartbreaking aftermath of the 2023 accident.
Wendy Rush’s Family Members Were Aboard the Titanic When it Sank
Wendy Weil was born into privilege and legacy. She was the great-great-granddaughter of Isidor and Ida Blun Straus, who were the passengers who died together aboard the Titanic. Her family held several equity positions in major firms, including the Macy’s department store chain, which made her upbringing one shaped by wealth and influence. In 1968, Wendy worked as both a pilot and a teacher, and she met and married Stockton Rush. The two shared a life rooted in exploration and intellect and eventually raised two children together.
When Stockton founded OceanGate in 2009, Wendy stood by him as more than just a supportive spouse. She became the company’s Director of Communications and played an active role in shaping its image and strategy. According to several former employees, Wendy was far from a distant figure, and she was said to be deeply involved in the internal workings of the company, privy to all major developments, especially surrounding the Titan submersible. Her association and the extent of her knowledge have become speculative topics in recent times.
Wendy Rush is Keeping a Low Public Profile Today
Since the OceanGate Titan submersible incident, Wendy Rush has kept an exceptionally low profile and has refrained from making any public statements. Her silence is understandable, given the gravity of the incident and the ongoing investigations. As someone who allegedly knew the daily operations of the company, she has inevitably found herself under public and legal scrutiny. Questions have been raised regarding her proximity to the project and whether she held any responsibility for overlooking warning signs prior to the fatal expedition.
Wendy and Stockton have two children. Their daughter, Quincy Rush, is currently working as a Law Clerk at the US District Court for the Central District of California, and their son, Richard Rush, is employed as a pilot in Washington. Both appear to be leading private, professional lives away from the public spotlight. In May 2025, a video surfaced showing Wendy monitoring Titan’s final voyage. She was just a few thousand feet away from where it had descended. In the footage, she is heard asking, “What was that bang?” at a time that is close to the estimated time the submersible imploded. It has been reported that the sound she heard was that of the Titan exploding. Wendy was also listed as a board member of various charitable foundations tied to OceanGate. However, with the company now having ceased operations, her public-facing roles have diminished. It seems she is waiting for the legal complexities and investigations to unfold before speaking out or re-emerging in any capacity.
Read More: Emily Hammermeister: Where is the Former OceanGate Employee Now?
