The deaths of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, have been ruled “suspicious” following the release of a search warrant affidavit on Thursday. The couple, who had been married since 1991, were found dead at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Wednesday night, alongside their pet dog. Hackman, 95, was a celebrated actor known for his roles in The French Connection and The Conversation, while Arakawa, 63, was a classical pianist.
Hackman and Arakawa were discovered in separate rooms, and it appeared they had been dead for some time. Two healthy dogs were also found at the property. Authorities initially considered the possibility of a gas leak being responsible for their deaths. However, after further investigation, New Mexico officials have deemed the situation suspicious enough to warrant a thorough inquiry.
A police affidavit revealed several unusual circumstances that raised suspicions. The front door of the home was found open and unsecured, and deputies discovered one healthy dog near Arakawa’s body. Another dead dog was found in a bathroom closet, 10 to 15 feet from her. A space heater was located near Arakawa, leading a deputy to suspect it could have fallen if she collapsed suddenly. Additionally, an open prescription bottle with scattered pills was found near her, raising further concerns of foul play.
Hackman’s body was found in a separate room, and his death showed similar signs to his wife’s, including decomposition and bloating. Despite Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean, suggesting carbon monoxide poisoning as a possible cause, there were no signs of a gas leak.
Authorities continue to investigate and may search the property’s furniture, plumbing, and gas lines. The affidavit noted that individuals exposed to gas leaks can experience sudden and unexpected death, adding to suspicions surrounding the deaths.
Hackman, a beloved figure in Hollywood, starred in classic films like The French Connection, The Conversation, and Superman. He won Oscars for The French Connection and Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven before retiring from acting after his last film, The Royal Tenenbaums, in 2001.
There were no signs of a gas leak, despite Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean, suggesting carbon monoxide poisoning as a possible cause.
Hackman, a beloved figure in Hollywood, starred in classics like The French Connection, The Conversation, and Superman. He won Oscars for The French Connection and Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven, before retiring from acting after his last film, The Royal Tenenbaums, in 2001.
