Gene Hackman’s Family Issue Cause Of Death Statement

The family of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have issued a cause of death statement.

Authorities in the United States are currently investigating the deaths of the Oscar-winning actor and his wife, whose bodies were recently discovered in their New Mexico residence.

Law enforcement officials in Santa Fe, New Mexico, responded to an emergency call placed by a maintenance worker on Wednesday, per the BBC. Upon arrival, they found the bodies of the 95-year-old actor and his 65-year-old wife inside their home on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park.

According to Sheriff Adan Mendoza, the couple appeared to have been deceased for an extended period before being discovered. Hackman was reportedly found in a side room adjacent to the kitchen, while Arakawa was located in a bathroom.

Investigators noted that Arakawa’s body displayed signs of ‘decomposition’ and ‘mummification,’ particularly in her hands and feet. Hackman’s remains also showed similar characteristics, according to law enforcement officials.

In addition to the couple, a German Shepherd dog, which belonged to them, was discovered dead inside a bathroom closet near Arakawa’s body. Authorities have not yet determined an official cause of death.

The initial police report found no visible injuries, but officials deemed the circumstances ‘suspicious enough’ to warrant a thorough investigation. Investigators have not ruled out the possibility of foul play.

A detective’s report mentioned the presence of a portable heater near Arakawa’s head, suggesting it may have fallen if she had collapsed suddenly. Authorities have requested toxicology and carbon monoxide tests to explore potential environmental factors.

However, a local utility company confirmed no gas leaks in the area, and the fire department reported no evidence of carbon monoxide poisoning. A search warrant indicated that law enforcement considered ‘some kind of gas poisoning’ as a potential cause but had not reached a definitive conclusion.

As quoted by the Associated Press, legal expert Laurie Levenson from Loyola Marymount University stated that authorities are exploring all possibilities while awaiting test results. A prescription bottle, along with scattered pills, was reportedly found on the bathroom counter near Arakawa’s body.

Hackman was discovered wearing grey tracksuit bottoms, a blue long-sleeved T-shirt, and brown slippers. A pair of sunglasses and a walking cane were placed next to him. Investigators suggested he may have suffered a sudden fall.

According to the search warrant, the deaths were considered suspicious due to certain unusual circumstances, including the fact that the front door was left open when the maintenance worker arrived.

Despite this, there were no signs of forced entry or disturbance within the home.

Sheriff Mendoza confirmed: “There was no indication of a struggle. There was no indication of anything that was missing from the home or disturbed, you know, that would be an indication that there was a crime that had occurred.”

Two other dogs were found alive at the property – one inside the house and the other outside – adding further mystery to the situation.

Authorities have not yet determined the exact time of death, however, two maintenance workers, one of whom reported the discovery, stated that their last interaction with the couple occurred approximately two weeks before they were found.

The workers mentioned that they had performed routine maintenance on the property but had infrequent direct contact with Hackman and Arakawa, primarily communicating with them via phone and text, usually through Arakawa.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Hackman’s daughter, Leslie Anne Hackman, emphasized that her father had been in relatively good health despite his advanced age. She stated that he had not undergone any significant medical procedures in recent months and maintained an active lifestyle.

“He liked to do Pilates and yoga, and he was continuing to do that several times a week,” she noted. “So he was in good health.”

Leslie Anne also praised Arakawa for her role in caring for Hackman, saying: “I give credit to his wife, Betsy, for keeping him alive. [Betsy] took very, very good care of him and was always looking out for his health.”

Investigators are continuing their inquiries, awaiting toxicology reports and further forensic analysis to determine the cause of their untimely deaths.

The couple had been married since 1991 and were known for leading a private life away from the Hollywood spotlight.