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Hollywood Mourns the Loss of Legendary Actor Gene Hackman and Wife
Hollywood is in mourning following the tragic and mysterious deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and one of their dogs at their New Mexico home. Santa Fe County Sheriff’s deputies discovered the bodies on Wednesday after conducting a welfare check requested by a concerned local. The couple, along with their dog, were found deceased under unusual circumstances, prompting an ongoing investigation.
Deputies arrived at the couple’s Santa Fe residence to a grim scene. Ms.
Arakawa, 63, was found in a downstairs bathroom, with signs of decomposition that suggested she had passed away some time before the deputies’ arrival. A space heater was found near her body, and investigators are considering the possibility that it may have fallen and played a role in her death.
Mr. Hackman, fully clothed, was found deceased in a separate room adjoining the kitchen, apparently having fallen.
His glasses were discovered near his body.
The advanced state of decomposition of Ms. Arakawa’s body, described by one detective as exhibiting “bloating in her face and mummification in her hands and feet,” has led authorities to believe her death preceded Mr.
Hackman’s. The dry, hot climate of New Mexico can accelerate the mummification process.
While the circumstances surrounding the deaths are undeniably unusual, Sheriff Adan Mendoza has reassured the public that there is no apparent sign of foul play and no immediate danger to the community. While authorities are considering carbon monoxide poisoning as a possible cause, per Mr.
Hackman’s daughter’s suggestion, no official cause of death has been released. Assisted suicide, though legal for the terminally ill in New Mexico, has not been mentioned as a line of inquiry by authorities.
The couple resided in the Hyde Park area of Santa Fe since Mr. Hackman retired from acting in the early 2000s.
They are survived by two of their dogs. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the exact cause of this heartbreaking tragedy.