The deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, as well as their dog, were discovered in their New Mexico home on Wednesday. Authorities said the circumstances were “suspicious enough” to require a full investigation. As of yet, the reason of death is unknown. Officials and preliminary autopsies found no immediate evidence of foul play and no outward harm to the pair. Additionally, authorities report that no immediate indications of a natural gas or carbon monoxide leak were found. According to investigators, the couple’s bodies were discovered in different rooms of their home, and pills were discovered strewn around beside Arakawa. The 95-year-old Hackman was an Oscar-winning actor who starred in movies like “The French Connection,” “Hoosiers,” “Unforgiven,” and “The Firm.” Arakawa was a classical pianist who was thirty years Hackman’s younger.
According to the sheriff’s office affidavit for a search request that CNN affiliate KOAT was able to obtain, Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies were found at the residence by maintenance personnel shortly before 2:00 p.m. local time on Wednesday. In a 911 call that CNN was able to get, the caller claimed that although they were unable to enter the house, they could see two unconscious persons through the window. “They’re not moving, buddy. The caller responded, “Just send someone out here really quick.” According to the affidavit, when police arrived to the scene, they found Arakawa’s body on the floor of a restroom next to an orange prescription medication container with pills all over the floor. According to the affidavit, the body “exhibited clear signs of death, body decomposition, bloating in her face, and mumification in both hands and feet.” Then, Hackman’s body was discovered in a similar state on the floor close to the kitchen. Beside the body were sunglasses and a walking cane. According to the affidavit, the deputy thought he had fallen unexpectedly.
Additionally, a dead German shepherd dog was discovered in the restroom. Police then clarified that the dog was in a crate, despite the affidavit’s initial claim that it was in a closet. On the premises, two other healthy dogs were discovered. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza told reporters Thursday that the pair had been dead for a long time. According to the affidavit, the maintenance staff informed the police that they had not communicated with the homeowners for two weeks. The sheriff’s office says they are investigating the cause of the couple’s deaths. According to the affidavit, a sheriff’s deputy stated that “the circumstances surrounding the death of the two deceased individuals (are considered) to be suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”
Mendoza said that there was no indication of a struggle or that anything had been taken from the house, saying, “There was no obvious sign or indication of foul play.” A gas company crew and fire authorities who were dispatched to the location “did not locate signs of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning.” According to the affidavit, a gas company personnel testing gas lines inside and outside the house failed to see any issues right away, and fire authorities who were dispatched to the scene “did not locate signs of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning.” According to the sheriff’s office, carbon monoxide and toxicology tests have been requested for both Hackman and Arakawa, and official autopsy and toxicology findings are still pending.
Actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were discovered dead on Thursday, and Santa Fe County Sheriff deputies arrive at the gated neighborhood of Santa Fe Summit. According to Chris Ramirez, a spokesman for the New Mexico medical investigator’s office, medical examiner reports that include the final cause of death often take four to six weeks to complete. “We want to ensure that the investigation is finished correctly. Additionally, we want to make the right facts public,” Mendoza stated on Thursday. Hackman’s granddaughter and daughters said in a family statement that the actor’s family is “devastated by the loss.” The statement read, “We regret to inform you of the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy.” For us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa, but millions of people throughout the world adored and revered him for his outstanding performing career. He will be greatly missed.
Hackman will receive recognition at the Academy Awards on Sunday. Hackman’s passing was announced just a few days before this weekend’s Academy Awards. Over the course of his five-decade career, Hackman received two Oscar nominations for five. His depiction of New York police officer Popeye Doyle, a detective who gets his man but at a heavy cost, earned him an Oscar in the 1971 film “The French Connection.” His portrayal of the murderous sheriff Little Bill Daggett in Clint Eastwood’s 1992 film “Unforgiven” earned him his second Oscar. The actor will receive recognition at Sunday’s ceremony, according to a source familiar with the Oscars’ backstage operations who spoke to CNN. Although specifics are still being finalized, the source stated that incorporating Hackman’s contributions to film into the “In Memoriam” montage is one potential option. Another alternative is for host Conan O’Brien or another performer to honor the legendary actor by mentioning Hackman’s passing on stage in a prepared way.