Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, were found deceased at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday afternoon. Authorities have deemed the circumstances "suspicious enough" to warrant further investigation, though no immediate cause of death has been determined.
Authorities Investigate Suspicious Circumstances
Sheriff Adan Mendoza of Santa Fe County stated that the couple had been deceased for "quite a while" before being discovered. While no signs of injury were present, investigators are considering all possibilities, including foul play.
"There was no immediate sign of foul play, but we haven't ruled anything out," said Mendoza during a Thursday press conference.
The bodies were found in separate locations—Hackman was discovered near the kitchen, while Arakawa was in the bathroom. The couple's German Shepherd dog was also found deceased inside a closet near Arakawa.
Autopsy and Toxicology Reports Pending
Authorities have requested carbon monoxide and toxicology tests to help determine the cause of death. A space heater was reportedly found near Arakawa’s body, and a bottle of prescription medication with scattered pills was discovered in the bathroom. However, initial reports from local utility inspectors and the fire department have ruled out gas leaks or carbon monoxide poisoning.
A search warrant noted that Arakawa’s decomposition and mummification in her hands and feet suggested that the couple had been dead for an extended period.
Investigation Details and Witness Accounts
Detectives noted that the front door of the property was found open, leading to further concerns about the circumstances of their deaths. However, no signs of forced entry or burglary were observed, and two of the couple's other dogs were found alive—one inside and another outside the house.
Two maintenance workers, one of whom placed the 911 call, stated that they last communicated with Arakawa via text about two weeks prior. The caller, upon discovering the scene, was heard in distress, repeatedly saying, "Damn, damn…" in the recorded 911 call.
Hackman’s Legendary Career
Gene Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, was known for his iconic roles in Hollywood, including Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection (1971) and Little Bill Daggett in Unforgiven (1992). His career spanned over four decades, during which he played over 100 roles. He was also widely recognized for his portrayal of Lex Luthor in the Superman films of the 1970s and 1980s.
Hackman met Betsy Arakawa, a classical pianist, in the mid-1980s, and they had been married for nearly 40 years. Following his retirement from acting in 2004, Hackman lived a quiet life in New Mexico.
Awaiting Further Developments
As authorities continue their investigation, the cause of death remains undetermined. Further details are expected once autopsy results are released. The Hollywood and global entertainment communities have expressed shock and grief over the loss of one of cinema’s most revered actors.
