The death of actor Gene Hackman and his wife is “suspicious” enough for authorities to conduct an investigation.
The 95-year-old actor was found dead Wednesday in his New Mexico home along with his wife, 64-year-old Betsy Arakawa. One of their pet dogs was also found dead.
According to an affidavit, a sheriff’s deputy said the “circumstances surrounding the death of the two deceased individuals (are considered) to be suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza told reporters that it appeared the couple had been deceased for some time and “there was no obvious sign or indication of foul play.”
“Deputies found Hackman near the kitchen, which is believed to be the mud room. According to a search warrant, a cane and sunglasses were found by his body,” KOAT reported.
The legendary actor’s body had “obvious signs of death, similar and consistent with the female decedent,” according to the police report.
Arakawa was found on the floor in a bathroom with “obvious signs of death, body decomposition, bloating in her face and mummification in both hands and feet,” according to deputies. A prescription bottle was also found there with scattered pills on the floor and nearby, a dog was found in a kennel who was also deceased.
“According to the search warrant, deputies believed, based on their experience and evidence in the home, the couple suddenly fell,” KOAT noted.
The Santa Fe Fire Department responded to the emergency call and “did not locate signs of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning,” and, according to the affidavit, gas lines were also checked.
A maintenance worker doing pest control reportedly reached out to security when he was unable to reach the couple, according to the report.
“I think we just found two or one deceased person inside a house for purchase here,” a man told dispatchers in the 911 call. “I’m not inside the house. It’s closed. It’s locked. I can’t go in. But I see them. She’s laying face down on the floor from the window.”
The door to the couple’s million-dollar Santa Fe, New Mexico, home was “unsecured and opened” when police arrived.
“Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said while there are no signs of foul play, but it has not been ruled out. Law enforcement is waiting for the autopsy results as well as toxicology reports,” KOAT reported.
The last known photo of Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife. Both were found deceased in their home pic.twitter.com/vmzDkI4KIQ
— TaraBull (@TaraBull808) February 27, 2025
Hackman’s family is “devastated by the loss.”
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy,” his daughter and granddaughter said in a statement. “He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely.”
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida. Powers also contributes to BizPac Review.
- Commerce Sec tells Fox News audience now is the time to buy Tesla stock: ‘it’ll never be this cheap again’ - March 20, 2025
- Top GOP lawmakers ‘will not accept’ Trump’s plan for changes to military command structure - March 20, 2025
- Michelle Obama doesn’t help quash divorce rumors with bedroom dig at hubby - March 20, 2025
Comment
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.