Details surrounding the deaths of Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63, have led authorities to consider the incident “suspicious,” according to a search warrant obtained by TMZ. A detective noted that the circumstances warranted a thorough search and investigation. The individual who reported the incident found the residence’s front door open. Responding officers observed a healthy dog running in the yard, another alive next to the deceased Arakawa, and a lifeless dog a few meters away from her, inside a bathroom closet. Near the woman was an open pill bottle with some pills scattered beside her. Gene Hackman was located in another room of the residence, with no obvious signs of gas leaks, a finding confirmed by the fire department.
The officer on the scene also noted a medicine bottle on the bathroom counter with other pills scattered around. Betsy Arakawa’s body was already partly decomposed with early signs of mummification on her hands and feet. Gene Hackman was found in another room near the kitchen, fully clothed, possibly having fallen, as his glasses were found near his body.
The deceased dog was a German Shepherd. The bodies were discovered by two maintenance workers in the gated community of Old Sunset Trail. They reported not having seen the couple for at least two weeks. The house’s door was ajar, but according to the police, there were no signs of forced entry.
Initially, County Sheriff Adan Mendoza had stated there were no indications of unnatural death. However, Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean, had suggested the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Gene Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, and classical pianist Betsy Arakawa had been married since 1991 and had lived in Santa Fe since then.
Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, may have died because of carbon monoxide poisoning. Their lifeless bodies were discovered in their Santa Fe home at least 24 hours after death. Police responded to the scene following a call from a neighbor who tried to visit the residence in the gated community of Old Sunset Trail. One of the couple’s three dogs was also found deceased; the other two are still alive.
Hackman and his wife were found in separate rooms. An investigation has been opened, stated Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza. But according to the actor’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, who spoke to TMZ, a strong possibility is a poisoning from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Gene Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, was 95 years old; his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, was 63.
