Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa found ‘mummified’ surrounded by pills as new reports of their deaths emerge
Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were reportedly found partially mummified at their £2.6 million Santa Fe mansion.
The bodies of the 95-year-old Oscar-winning actor and his 64-year-old wife were discovered by maintenance workers who told investigators they hadn’t seen the couple for two weeks.
Police reports indicate the pair may have been dead for a fortnight before being found, with the grim discovery being made at the couple’s luxury home in New Mexico.
Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deaths, stating an investigation is underway, but there is “no suggestion of foul play” at this time.
The couple’s bodies showed significant decomposition, raising concerns about how long they had remained undiscovered, and according to an arrest warrant obtained by the Daily Mail, Arakawa was found with bloating on her face and mummification in her hands and feet.
Sheriffs reported that Hackman showed the same signs of decomposition as his wife, alongside the warrant revealing that their bodies were in an advanced state of decay when discovered at the property.
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Investigators believe both Hackman and Arakawa had been dead “for some time” based on their condition.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Denise Avila, confirmed that neither Hackman nor Arakawa had gunshot wounds or any other type of wounds.
Hackman’s daughter Elizabeth has reportedly suggested that her father, Arakawa and their dog may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
The investigation into the exact cause of death remains active, with reports of an open prescription bottle with pills scattered across a nearby countertop found in the bathroom.
Hackman was found in a different location – a mud room off the couple’s kitchen and was fully clothed when discovered, with his sunglasses being found next to his body, suggesting he may have fallen.
One of the couple’s three German Shepherd dogs was found dead approximately 10 to 15 feet away from Arakawa, in a closet just off the bathroom, contrary to earlier reports suggesting it had been found dead in a kennel.
The couple’s two other dogs were found unharmed at the property with their front door being open when they were discovered, with no signs of forced entry.
The bodies were discovered on Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail.
Hackman, best known for films including The French Connection, Superman and Enemy State, had long been retired from the film industry.
The couple had been married since 1991 after meeting in the 1980s.
Investigators are continuing to gather evidence at the scene as they work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The Sheriff’s Office has promised to provide updates as the investigation progresses.