Additional Coverage:
- Gene Hackman 911 caller’s emotional plea for help after discovering star and his wife (irishstar.com)
SANTA FE, N.M. — Legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased in their New Mexico home on Wednesday, according to authorities. The cause of death for the couple and one of their dogs remains unknown at this time.
A distressing 911 call obtained by authorities reveals a caretaker discovered the bodies and immediately contacted emergency services. The caller, audibly shaken, could be heard requesting urgent assistance, stating, “I think we just found two, one, deceased persons inside the house.” While unable to provide details about the individuals, the caretaker urged dispatchers to send help quickly.
Upon arrival at the scene, police encountered a grim situation. According to a search warrant, Mrs.
Arakawa’s remains showed signs of mummification. Two other dogs were found alive on the property, one near Mrs.
Arakawa and the other roaming freely. Authorities noted a displaced heater, an open pill bottle with scattered pills near Mrs.
Arakawa, and Mr. Hackman’s body in a separate room.
There were no immediate signs of a gas leak. The investigation is ongoing.