The sudden and mysterious deaths of two-time Oscar winner Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and their dog have left authorities and fans stunned.
The couple’s bodies were found on Wednesday afternoon at their sprawling mountain home, but the cause of death remains unknown.
What We Know So Far
According to Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza, Hackman’s pacemaker revealed that his last recorded event was on February 17, suggesting that he may have been dead for days or even weeks before his body was discovered.
Authorities have also revealed that tests have “possibly” ruled out carbon monoxide as a potential cause of death, but they will not confirm this until further investigation is completed.
Investigation Ongoing
Fire crews monitored the house for carbon monoxide twice, once on the day the bodies were found and again on Thursday, but detected no signs of the gas.
The investigation has also revealed that Arakawa’s body was found decomposed, with her hands and feet mummified, and pills scattered nearby.
The process of mummification typically takes around two weeks, which further supports the theory that the couple may have been dead for some time.
No Signs of Foul Play
There were no apparent signs of foul play or head trauma, according to Mendoza. An initial autopsy did not reveal which of the couple died first.
Authorities are now working to piece together a timeline of events, using evidence from the scene, including the couple’s cellphones, medication, and health records.
What’s Next
The bodies have been transported to the New Mexico Office of Medical Investigator, where further investigation, including an expedited autopsy and toxicology report, will be conducted.
However, authorities warn that the results could take months. In the meantime, the investigation continues, with authorities reviewing the couple’s cellphones, calls, text messages, and photos to try to understand what happened in the days leading up to their deaths.
A Tragic Discovery
The couple was found dead inside their residence at approximately 1:43 p.m. on February 26, after maintenance workers grew concerned when they received no communication from Hackman and Arakawa.
The workers had been trying to contact the couple, but when they got no response, they reached out to neighborhood security, who then called the authorities. Two dogs were found alive, and the backdoor of the home was ajar, adding to the mystery surrounding the tragic events.