Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been found dead in their New Mexico home. The initial reports suggested no foul play, but authorities now say the circumstances are “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”
The 95-year-old Oscar-winning actor and his 63-year-old wife were discovered in their home by a family member, who initially suspected carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause. However, according to a search warrant affidavit, several details at the scene have raised concerns.
The affidavit, obtained by Variety, states: “Affiant believes that the circumstances surrounding the death of the two deceased individuals to be suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation because the reporting party found the front door of the residence unsecured and opened, deputies observed a healthy dog running loose on the property, another healthy dog near the deceased female, a deceased dog laying 10-15 feet from the deceased female in a closet of the bathroom, the heater being moved, the pill bottle being opened and pills scattered next to the female, the male decedent being located in a separate room of the residence, and no obvious signs of a gas leak.”
Authorities believe the heater referenced in the affidavit was a space heater, and it was suggested that it may have fallen if Betsy collapsed suddenly. Her body showed signs of decomposition, with bloating in her face and mummification in her hands and feet. Gene was found in a separate part of the home, and officials suspect he also fell suddenly. His body displayed similar signs of decomposition.
Investigators will now examine the home further, checking for possible issues with “furniture, walls, plumbing equipment, or gas lines.”
As news of Gene Hackman’s death spread, tributes began pouring in from Hollywood and beyond. His family has now released a heartfelt statement, expressing their devastation.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy,” the family said in a statement shared with The Wrap on Thursday. “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.”
Hackman, known for his iconic roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, and The Royal Tenenbaums, was widely regarded as one of the greatest actors of his generation. He retired from acting in 2004, choosing to live a quiet life in New Mexico with his wife, Betsy, a classical pianist.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of their deaths. Our thoughts go out to Gene and Betsy’s loved ones during this difficult time. RIP.
