There are no credible reports of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa passing away. Let me know if you need something else rewritten.
There are no credible reports of Gene Hackman’s passing. Let me know if you need help with something else.
Hollywood veteran actor 95-year-old Gene Hackman and his classical pianist wife, 63-year-old Betsy Arakawa, were found dead at their home on Wednesday (February 26).
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza did not disclose the couple’s cause of death but mentioned that one of their dogs was also found deceased.
In a statement on Thursday, he said, “We are currently conducting a preliminary death investigation and awaiting approval for a search warrant.”
Hackman’s daughters, Elizabeth and Leslie, and his granddaughter, Annie, released a statement regarding the couple’s passing.
Speaking to the New York Post, they said, “With great sadness, we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy.”
Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead at their home earlier this week (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
“He was loved and admired by millions worldwide for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was simply Dad and Grandpa.
“We are devastated by this loss and will miss him deeply.”
This statement follows an update from authorities. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office stated that while they do not suspect foul play, they have not ruled it out. Additionally, no immediate signs of external trauma were found on the couple.
Police have announced plans for a “thorough search and investigation” into the couple’s deaths, deeming them “suspicious enough” based on the “circumstances surrounding” the scene, according to an affidavit for a search warrant.
The document states that a maintenance worker first discovered the scene and found the front door of the Santa Fe home unlocked. Upon arrival, authorities found Betsy’s body on the bathroom floor near a space heater, which they noted “could have fallen if she abruptly collapsed to the ground.” Investigations are ongoing to determine further details.
Police are investigating the cause and details of Gene Hackman and his wife’s death (Vera Anderson/WireImage)
An open prescription bottle with pills scattered on the countertop was also found.
The affidavit mentioned that Arakawa showed signs of decomposition, with “mummification” visible on her hands and feet.
Hackman was discovered in a similar position in a separate room, lying on the floor next to a walking cane and sunglasses, which led authorities to suspect he had “suddenly fallen.”
As part of the investigation, the Santa Fe City Fire Department ruled out a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning after finding no evidence of either at the home.
The New Mexico Gas Company also conducted tests on the gas line and throughout the residence, concluding that there were no signs of a gas leak or poisoning. Investigations into the deaths are ongoing.
Featured Image Credit: Tony Korody/Sygma/Sygma via Getty Images
Source: UNILAD
