Authorities and the public are in shock at the tragic murders of famous actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home, and investigators are still looking for answers. The cause of death is still unknown despite the completion of autopsies, as neither person had any visible injuries. The details surrounding the sad tragedy are still the subject of conjecture as the investigation goes on.
The renowned actor Gene Hackman, who starred in films including Unforgiven and The French Connection, and his wife Betsy Arakawa were discovered dead in their $3.8 million Santa Fe mansion. They may have been dead for as long as two weeks before their bodies were located, according to local police, who said deputies found them after what appeared to be a lengthy time. But according to preliminary investigations by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, neither Hackman nor Arakawa had any injuries or indications of exterior trauma or foul play.
Early on Thursday morning, the autopsies were finished, although they did not immediately reveal the cause of death. Toxicology test results, which could provide additional information about the circumstances of their deaths, are now pending. The house had been checked for carbon monoxide and other dangerous chemicals by New Mexico Gas Company, according to Sheriff Adan Mendoza, who also confirmed that neither body had any visible wounds. The results of the testing ruled out the likelihood of a carbon monoxide leak, as Leslie Anne Hackman, Hackman’s daughter, had suggested. With the results of the gas testing, Leslie’s earlier suspicions that her father and stepmother had died from toxic vapours were allayed.
There are no signs of foul play, authorities have stated, despite the lack of prompt answers. As a result, the inquiry into the couple’s deaths remains unclear. In an interview with NBC News, Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber described Hackman as a “gracious, friendly” figure who was adored by his city, reflecting on the impact of his passing. Webber also recognised that Hackman and his spouse were ordinary individuals who had settled in Santa Fe, despite their enormous celebrity.
Following the discovery of the couple’s bodies, local authorities are looking into the situation more thoroughly. An affidavit obtained by DailyMail.com states that Hackman was discovered in the mud room close to the kitchen of the residence, with his sunglasses and cane nearby. This made others wonder if Hackman had fallen before he died. An open bottle of prescription medication was found next to Arakawa’s body on the bathroom floor, though it’s unclear if the drug had anything to do with the deaths.
Apart from the absence of physical injuries, Hackman and Arakawa’s remains displayed decomposition and were characterised as “partially mummified” upon discovery. Their bodies may have been preserved in part by the cold, dry desert air of New Mexico, according to local officials. This made the case even more mysterious because it’s not obvious why the couple’s bodies were not found for so long.
Leslie Anne Hackman, the daughter of the couple, has discussed her father’s health and their family’s shock at his unexpected passing in public. She clarified that Hackman had maintained his physical fitness throughout his life, continuing to do Pilates and yoga multiple times a week. According to Leslie, “he was in very good physical condition despite his age,” and he had not had any major surgery recently. Because Hackman had been known to lead an active lifestyle, his family found it much harder to accept his untimely demise.
After getting married in 1991, the pair had been together for 34 years. Betsy, her stepmother, was praised by Leslie for keeping her father active and healthy during their marriage. “I commend his wife, Betsy, for preserving his life,” she said.
Authorities say it could take up to four or six weeks to release the final autopsy and toxicology reports while the investigation is ongoing. Many people are still baffled by the mystery surrounding the deaths of Hackman, Arakawa, and their dog. Their terrible death’s circumstances are yet unknown till the official conclusions are made public.
The family, friends, and admirers of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy are very saddened by their unexpected and inexplicable deaths. Hackman, who had a long and distinguished Hollywood career, was renowned for his grounded personality as much as his acting prowess. His death has rocked the entertainment industry and the Santa Fe community, as has the equally devastating loss of his wife. The inquiry is still ongoing, but there is still optimism that the truth behind the couple’s murders will soon come to light.
