Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their New Mexico home
Gene Hackman’s family have said they are ‘devastated by the loss’ as authorities investigate the death of the Hollywood legend.
Hollywood legend Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, 63, were tragically found dead in their Santa Fe home on Wednesday, February 26.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza has yet to confirm the cause of death, but it was reported that one of the couple’s dogs was also found deceased. On Thursday, Mendoza issued a brief statement, saying, “We are in the midst of a preliminary death investigation and are awaiting approval of a search warrant.”
In the wake of the devastating news, Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, along with his granddaughter, Annie, shared an emotional statement. Speaking to the New York Post, they expressed: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy.”
“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 and are devastated by the loss.”
This heartfelt statement follows an update from authorities regarding the tragic deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office has stated that they do not suspect foul play at this time, although they have not completely ruled it out. No immediate signs of external trauma were found on the couple’s bodies. Police have noted that the deaths are suspicious enough to warrant further investigation, given the circumstances surrounding the scene, as outlined in a search warrant affidavit.
According to the affidavit, a maintenance worker was the first to discover the scene, finding the front door of the Santa Fe home unlocked. Upon arrival, law enforcement found Betsy’s body on the bathroom floor next to a space heater, which investigators believe “could have fallen if she abruptly fell to the ground.”
In addition to the alarming scene, an open prescription bottle with scattered pills was found on the countertop. The affidavit also revealed that Arakawa’s body showed signs of decomposition, with “mummification” visible in her hands and feet.
Gene Hackman was discovered in a similar position in a different room, lying on the floor beside a walking cane and sunglasses, which led authorities to suspect that he may have “suddenly fallen.”
As part of the ongoing investigation, the Santa Fe City Fire Department has ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, finding no evidence of a leak in the home. Similarly, the New Mexico Gas Company conducted tests on the gas lines and around the residence, confirming that there were no signs of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning.
