Investigation Launched Into “Suspicious” Deaths Of Gene Hackman And His Wife
Authorities now say nothing is off the table and launching a full investigation into the “suspicious” deaths of actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 64, who were found dead in separate rooms in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home. One dog was also found dead, while two were found alive.
The couple’s bodies were discovered during a welfare check prompted by a neighbor’s concern. Arakawa’s body showed signs of decomposition, along with mummification of her hands and feet. No obvious cause of death was found, and foul play was initially not suspected, but there is enough suspicion to require a thorough investigation. New Mexico Gas Company denied any evidence of a leak in their home.
Hackman’s career spanned more than 80 films and he was nominated for five Oscars in his career (Unforgiven, Mississippi Burning, I Never Sang For My Father, Bonnie & Clyde). He won twice and was one of the top leading men during the “New Hollywood” era of the 1970s and maintained his prominence through the ’80s and ’90s. He retired from acting in 2004 and has kept a low profile ever since.