Hollywood icon Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been discovered deceased in their New Mexico residence, with authorities indicating that they had likely been dead for some time prior to the discovery. Hackman, aged 95, and his 63-year-old wife were found on Wednesday, with the announcement made the following day. One of their pet dogs was also found dead.
According to Denise Avila, a spokesperson for the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, deputies located the bodies during a welfare check around 1:45 PM local time. Hackman’s body was found in a mudroom, while Arakawa was discovered in a bathroom next to a heater, as detailed in a search warrant.
Scattered pills and an open prescription bottle were noted on a countertop near Arakawa. There were no signs of gunshot wounds or other injuries, Avila reported. The search warrant indicated that the property’s door was ajar, and there were no indications of forced entry. A German Shepherd was found deceased in a bathroom closet near Arakawa, while two other healthy dogs were present on the property.
Authorities have stated that the circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths are “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.” Preliminary medical findings revealed no external trauma, and the exact cause of death remains undetermined, pending post-mortem examinations and toxicology reports.
Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, suggested to TMZ that carbon monoxide poisoning might be a potential cause, although the family is uncertain. Local utility company inspections of the gas lines in and around the home found no issues.
In a statement, the sheriff’s office noted, “We do not believe foul play was a factor in their deaths; however, the exact cause of death has not yet been determined.” Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, along with granddaughter Annie, expressed their grief, stating, “He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”
Hackman, an Oscar winner for his leading role in “The French Connection” and a best supporting actor for “Unforgiven,” was also well-known for his portrayal of Lex Luthor.
