Legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their New Mexico home under strange circumstances last week. The door to the house was left open and the couple's German shepherd was also found dead in a closet, fueling speculation of foul play or suicide.
The bodies of Gene Hackman, 95, and Betsy Arakawa, 63, were discovered by two maintenance workers who were supposed to be doing work at the couple's home. The door to the house was open, which has also raised suspicions of unnatural causes of death, reports British state broadcaster BBC.
– It sounds like they had been deceased for quite a while, and I don't want to guess in reference to how long that was, the police chief in charge, Adan Mendoza, commented on the investigation last Thursday.
– There was no immediate sign of foul play. Haven't ruled that out yet. This is an investigation, so we're keeping everything on the table, said Adan Mendoza, confirming that the investigation is ongoing and that the deaths are considered "suspicious".
Gene Hackman and his wife tested negative for carbon monoxide, last pacemaker activity was February 17
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said the initial examination by the medical examiner showed no sign of carbon monoxide. Mendoza also said an examination of the 95-year-old… pic.twitter.com/NzMbyTARxJ
— Blue Owl (@BlueOwlHoots) March 1, 2025
Suicide?
US police have called for a thorough investigation after an open pill bottle was found next to the body of Betsy Arakawa. Gene Hackman was found in the kitchen, fully clothed with sunglasses near his body, which has led to speculation that he may have fallen suddenly.
A portable radiator was found near Arakawa's head, which police say could possibly have been torn down if she fell to the ground suddenly. A prescription bottle and scattered pills were found on the bathroom counter near her body.
Notably, the couple's German Shepherd was also found dead in a bathroom closet near her, further raising suspicions of foul play or suicide.
Authorities confirm that carbon monoxide and toxicology tests have been requested for both Hackman and Arakawa, but there are currently no obvious signs that a gas leak or other hazardous substances poisoned the couple.
Official cause of death could take months
Gene Hackman was one of Hollywood's most respected actors, known for roles in films such as French Connection, Superman The Movie, The Unforgiven, and Bonnie and Clyde. He retired from acting in 2004 to pursue his writing and other interests.
The Santa Fe Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths, but has not yet released an official cause of death.
