Authorities are continuing their investigation into the sudden and tragic deaths of Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa. The couple, both well-respected and accomplished in their respective fields, were found dead in their home in the southwestern U.S. state of New Mexico on Wednesday. The news has shocked and saddened fans and colleagues alike.
According to reports, the couple’s bodies were discovered by authorities along with one of their beloved dogs. Investigators have since retrieved various medications and medical records from the house, along with cellphones. However, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza has stated that there is currently no evidence of foul play. The results of the autopsy, which are expected to shed more light on the circumstances surrounding their deaths, are eagerly awaited.
Mendoza also shared that without the autopsy, it is difficult to determine how long the couple had been deceased. A search warrant affidavit issued on Thursday stated that the circumstances surrounding their deaths were “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.” This has raised questions and concerns among the public, who are eager for answers and closure.
In an interview with The Today Show, Mendoza revealed that several doors around the house were unlocked and one door in the rear of the house was open. This is in contrast to earlier reports stating that the front door was open. Hackman’s body was found near the rear of the house, while his wife’s body was found in a bathroom. The couple’s three German shepherds were also present, with two being found alive and healthy at the property.
Further details from the search warrant affidavit also revealed that authorities had called the Santa Fe Fire Department and the New Mexico Gas Company to the residence, but no toxic fumes or leaky pipes were found. This has led investigators to focus on other potential causes for the couple’s deaths.
Hackman, who was 95 years old, had a storied career in the entertainment industry. He had appeared in numerous Broadway shows, television series, and over 80 films. He was a highly acclaimed actor, having won two Oscars for his roles in The French Connection and Unforgiven. He had also been nominated for three other Oscars, including for his breakout role in Bonnie and Clyde.
His work spanned across various genres, from action movies and thrillers to comedies. Some of his most notable films include The Poseidon Adventure, Young Frankenstein, Superman, Hoosiers, The Birdcage, and The Royal Tenenbaums. His last film was Welcome to Mooseport in 2004, after which he retired from acting.
The news of Hackman’s passing has been met with an outpouring of love and remembrance from his fellow artists. Director Francis Ford Coppola, who worked with Hackman on the 1974 film The Conversation, posted on Instagram, “The loss of a great artist is always cause for both mourning and celebration. Gene Hackman was a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss and celebrate his existence and contribution.”
Actor Morgan Freeman, who starred alongside Hackman in the film Under Suspicion, also shared his memories of working with the late actor. He posted on Instagram, “One of the personal highlights of my career was bringing the French film Gardé a Vue to life with the incredibly gifted Gene Hackman. And of course, Unforgiven. Rest in peace, my friend.”
The loss of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa has left a void in the entertainment industry and in the hearts of their loved ones. Their contributions to the world of film and music will always be remembered and celebrated. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their family and friends during this difficult time. May they both rest in peace.
