The circumstances surrounding the deaths of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa, who were discovered dead at their New Mexico home on Wednesday, are “suspicious enough” for additional inquiry, according to officials. Maintenance personnel found Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 65, at their Santa Fe home. There were no apparent indications of foul play, but the cause of death is yet unknown.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed a terrible discovery: Hackman was found in a side room near the kitchen, and his wife was discovered in a bathroom. Investigators suspect that both had been dead for a long time. Although there were no wounds on their bodies, authorities were alarmed by the mummification and decomposition of Arakawa’s hands and feet, which prompted a closer look at the site.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza said during a press conference on Thursday that the investigation was still proceeding even though there were no early indications of foul activity. He said, “We are keeping all possibilities on the table,” and he would not speculate on the cause of death until toxicology and carbon monoxide test results were in. Mendoza added, “It sounds like they had been deceased for quite a while,” underscoring the necessity of a comprehensive investigation.
Upon deeper examination, the couple’s German shepherd dog was discovered dead in a bathroom closet, and a prescription bottle and a few tablets were discovered close to Arakawa’s body. The involvement of the family dogs in the scene raised further questions. A further layer of doubt was introduced by Hackman’s clothing, which included brown slippers, a blue long-sleeve T-shirt, and grey tracksuit bottoms, which implied he had not been getting ready to depart.
Investigators are still attempting to ascertain whether the portable heater near Arakawa’s head was moved to resuscitate her, but it suggested a potential fall. However, the open front door raised suspicions that the deaths were not natural, even though there was no forced entry. The fact that no goods were taken or disturbed within the house disproves the idea that burglary was the cause.
According to tax documents, the couple’s 2,300-square-foot ranch-style home in a gated enclave was worth about $1 million. Authorities discovered that maintenance staff had last spoken to the couple two weeks ago, following their call to emergency services. They stated that they mostly communicated with Arakawa by text or phone and that the couple was solitary and infrequently seen by outsiders.
His three children from a previous marriage, Elizabeth, Leslie, and Annie Hackman, confirmed the news of Hackman’s passing in a statement expressing their deep sorrow. “For us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa, but millions of others throughout the world adored and revered him for his outstanding performing career. We are heartbroken by the loss and will miss him terribly,” the statement said.
With his passing, Gene Hackman’s illustrious Hollywood career that lasted more than 50 years comes to an end. Hackman, who is well-known for playing rough, gritty characters, was the recipient of two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven (1992) and Best Actor for The French Connection (1971). With notable parts in Bonnie and Clyde (1967) and I Never Sang for My Father (1970), he launched his career in the 1960s. Hackman also became well-known for playing the antagonist Lex Luthor in the Superman movies of the 1970s and 1980s.
Despite being a relative latecomer to Hollywood, Hackman received numerous Oscar nods for his skill in both leading and supporting parts. His last big-screen role was in the 2004 picture Welcome to Mooseport, and he has performed in films with such heavyweights as Gene Wilder and Al Pacino. Hackman and his wife relocated to New Mexico in search of a more tranquil lifestyle after he retired from performing.
The causes of Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths are still unknown while officials await the autopsy results, raising questions about whether they were poisoned, killed in an accident, or suffered a more nefarious fate. Before making any judgments, investigators are being thorough in their approach and obtaining all relevant facts. Although the world has lost a great performer, Hackman’s passing has left a giant hole in his family’s hearts as a cherished father and grandfather.