Gene Hackman, Wife Found Dead: Mystery Surrounds Their Deaths
The entertainment world and beyond are grappling with the shocking news of the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their beloved dog. The circumstances surrounding their passing remain shrouded in mystery, prompting an ongoing investigation by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office in New Mexico.
On Wednesday, deputies discovered the couple and their canine companion deceased at their Santa Fe home, launching an immediate inquiry into the cause of death. Sheriff Adam Mendoza described the situation as "suspicious," emphasizing the need for a thorough examination of the evidence.
As details trickle out, a search warrant affidavit has revealed unsettling findings. Arakawa’s body exhibited signs of partial mummification, suggesting that a significant period had elapsed since her death. The presence of multiple dogs, some alive and others deceased, further complicates the narrative.
Sheriff Mendoza, during an appearance on the "Today" show, acknowledged the challenges in establishing a precise timeline, given the couple’s private nature. "It appears several days and possibly even up to a couple of weeks had passed since their deaths," he stated, underscoring the difficulty in determining whether Hackman and Arakawa died simultaneously or at different times.
Despite the complexities, Mendoza expressed "pretty confident that there’s no foul play involved," while cautioning that investigators are not ruling out any possibilities. The autopsy report, he emphasized, will be crucial in shedding light on the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Authorities found the actor, 95, in a mudroom near his cane, appearing to have fallen, while wife Arakawa, 64, was found in an open bathroom near a space heater, according to the warrant.An open prescription bottle and pills were scattered on the nearby countertop, the warrant says.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference to provide updates on the investigation. As the mystery deepens, the public awaits answers regarding the tragic loss of the celebrated actor and his wife.
Authorities discovered Hackman in a mudroom near his cane, seemingly having fallen, while Arakawa was found in an open bathroom near a space heater, according to the warrant. An open prescription bottle and scattered pills were found on a nearby countertop. Mendoza told "Today" that the pills were "very important evidence at the scene," but said a toxicology report could take up to three months or longer.
A deputy observed Arakawa with "body decomposition, bloating in her face" and mummification of her hands and feet.
Mummification, in a forensic context, occurs when a dead body dries out instead of decomposing as normal, due to a warm, dry and well-ventilated environment, according to the National Library of Medicine. The skin and soft tissues stiffen or harden, and can begin within days.
One of the couple’s German shepherds was found dead less than 15 feet from Arakawa in a closet, while their other two dogs were found alive in the bathroom near Arakawa and outside.
PETA senior vice president Lisa Lange expressed her condolences, noting Hackman’s "soft heart for animals." New Mexico officials have yet to determine the cause of Hackman, Arakawa and their dogs deaths.
The New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator estimates that autopsy, toxicology, and postmortem exam reports could take four to six weeks to complete. Santa Fe’s fire chief, Brian Moya, mentioned that investigators found no gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning, but did not eliminate carbon monoxide poisoning completely.
The New Mexico Gas Co. investigated the residence and found no issues with the pipes in and around the residence.
Detective Roy Arndt noted several factors contributing to the suspicious nature of the scene: an unlocked front door, a healthy dog running loose, another healthy dog found near Arakawa and the dead dog, a moved heater near Arakawa, an open pill bottle and scattered pills, the lack of gas leaks, and Hackman’s location in a separate room from his wife.
A 911 call recording revealed that the caretaker of the subdivision was unable to identify Hackman and Arakawa’s ages or genders to police.
Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner known for his intense character acting, had retreated to a low-key life in Santa Fe after leaving Hollywood. His illustrious career spanned over six decades, with iconic roles such as Jimmy "Popeye" Doyle in "The French Connection," Lex Luthor in the "Superman" franchise, and the loathsome sheriff in "Unforgiven."
Hackman’s health had faced challenges in the past. He underwent an angioplasty procedure in 1990 and was struck by a pickup truck while riding his bike in 2012.
The investigation into the deaths of Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog continues, with authorities meticulously examining the evidence and awaiting the results of the autopsy and toxicology reports. The entertainment world mourns the loss of a true acting legend, while the mystery surrounding their deaths leaves many seeking answers and closure.
