Legendary actor and Oscar winner Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead in their home in New Mexico on Wednesday afternoon. Authorities announced on Thursday (February 27) that the Hackmans had been dead for some time before their bodies were discovered in different rooms of their house. The police stated that the cause of death for the couple is “suspicious” and requires further investigation, with the possibility of murder not being ruled out.
Hackman, 95, was found dead in a side room near the kitchen of a house in Santa Fe, while his wife, 65-year-old classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, was found dead in the bathroom. Their pet dog was also found deceased in the home.
According to reports from NBC News and the BBC, authorities indicated there were no signs of physical harm, but the circumstances of the deaths were deemed “suspicious enough” to warrant an investigation, with the possibility of murder not being ruled out. A search warrant stated that the nature of the deaths of the couple was “suspicious and required thorough search and investigation.”
Authorities have not disclosed the cause of death. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office stated that preliminary forensic investigation results revealed no signs of external trauma on the deceased, and the cause of death is yet to be determined. However, tests for carbon monoxide and toxicology have been requested for the Hackmans.
Hackman had a vast career, having won Oscars for performances in films like “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven”.
In a brief statement released by Hackman’s family on Thursday, they said, “He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he will always be just a father and grandfather.” They expressed deep sorrow at their loss, saying, “We will miss him greatly and mourn his passing.”
On Wednesday afternoon around 1:45, officers responded to a report at an address on the Old Sunset Path in Hyde Park. A recording of the call indicated that a man claiming to be a maintenance worker dialed 911, reporting the discovery of the bodies. He mentioned to the dispatcher that he would meet emergency personnel at the entrance as he did not know the house’s address.
“I’m not inside the house. The house is closed. Locked,” he told the dispatcher. “I can’t go in, but I saw them… she was lying by the window.”
According to the recording, he could not ascertain if they were breathing or responsive. “They are not moving at all,” the caller said. “Send help quickly.”
During a press conference on Thursday afternoon, Sheriff Adan Mendoza mentioned, “It looks like they have been dead for quite some time; I don’t want to guess how long.”
He added, “There are no indications of murder at this time, but it is not ruled out either. This is an investigation, so we are keeping all possibilities open.”
A detective who arrived at the scene expressed the belief that the couple had been dead for some time, noting that Mrs. Arakawa’s limbs were “decayed” and she was in a state of “mummification”.
The search warrant revealed, “The male victim also shows evident signs of death, similar to and consistent with the female victim.”
Near Mrs. Arakawa’s head, there was a portable heater, and detectives speculated that it may have fallen if she collapsed suddenly.
On the bathroom counter, there was a pill bottle and scattered pills near her body. The couple’s German Shepherd was found dead in a bathroom cabinet close to Mrs. Arakawa.
Hackman was discovered wearing gray sweatpants, a blue long-sleeved T-shirt, and brown slippers. Sunglasses and a cane were found next to his body.
Detectives suspect that Hackman may have fallen suddenly.
The search warrant stated that the circumstances of their deaths were “suspicious, requiring a thorough search and investigation” as the person who called for emergency help found the front door of the house open.
However, there were no signs of forced entry into the house. The inside of the house was orderly, with no signs of items being disturbed or missing.
The couple’s two other dogs were found wandering inside and outside the house.
Fire department tests revealed, “No evidence of carbon monoxide leaks or poisoning.”
Tax records show that the couple owned a 2,300-square-foot ranch-style residence worth about $1 million, located within a gated community.