Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman, aged 93, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, aged 64, along with their dog, at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The tragic discovery was made by Santa Fe County deputies, with reports indicating that the couple’s bodies may have been in their residence for as long as two weeks before being found. An arrest warrant obtained by the Daily Mail revealed that both bodies exhibited signs of decomposition and were partially mummified, which is attributed to the cold, dry air of the New Mexico desert climate.

The autopsies for both Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were completed on Thursday morning, although the authorities are still waiting for the full results, including toxicology reports. Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that there were “no apparent signs of foul play,” and noted that initial findings showed “no external trauma to either individual.” He went on to clarify, “The manner and cause of death has not been determined,” and emphasised that the investigation remains open.

The couple was discovered after their absence raised concerns among family members. Leslie Anne Hackman, one of Gene’s three children, spoke to Daily Mail, suggesting that they initially speculated the pair might have succumbed to toxic fumes due to a carbon monoxide leak. However, testing conducted by Santa Fe City Fire personnel and the New Mexico Gas Company ruled out the presence of carbon monoxide or other hazardous elements in the home. An official affidavit confirmed that there were “no signs or evidence indicating there were any problems associated with the pipes in and around the residence.”

Upon discovery, Gene Hackman was found in a mudroom near the couple’s kitchen, where his sunglasses and cane lay on the floor beside him, leading to speculation that he may have experienced a fall prior to his death. Betsy Arakawa’s body was located on the bathroom floor, with an open bottle of prescription pills scattered on a nearby countertop.

Leslie Hackman expressed her family’s ongoing struggle in processing the sudden loss, stating that there were “no indications that there was any problem” with her father before his passing. She noted that her father had been in “very good physical condition” and had not undergone any major surgeries recently. “He liked to do Pilates and yoga, and he was continuing to do that several times a week,” she added.

Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber praised Gene Hackman’s contributions to the community, describing him as a “gracious, friendly” celebrity who was down-to-earth. He stated, “These are two people who have huge talent, gifts, global reputations, and here in Santa Fe they’re just… part of us.”

The results of the autopsies, including the toxicology reports, are expected to take four to six weeks before being released to the public. Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were married in 1991, sharing 34 years together before their untimely deaths. Leslie Hackman credits her father’s wife for his longevity, stating, “They had a wonderful marriage. And I give credit to his wife, Betsy, for keeping him alive.”

Source: Noah Wire Services