Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were found dead under suspicious circumstances in their multi-million-dollar Santa Fe home, along with their dog. Maintenance workers, who had not seen the couple for nearly two weeks, made the grim discovery.
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Per the New York Post, authorities said the deaths were suspicious enough to warrant a thorough investigation. The door to the couple's $3.3 million home, which sits on six acres and spans over 8,000 square feet, was found open and unsecured. Inside, deputies found Arakawa's body showing severe signs of decomposition.
Arakawa, who was discovered in a bathroom near the home's entry, exhibited mummification in her hands and feet and bloating in her face. Deputies reported that she had obvious signs of death, including body decomposition.
A black space heater was found near her head. And one officer speculated that it could have fallen if she collapsed suddenly, as the Post relayed. Arakawa's dog was found in a closet 10 to 15 feet from her body.
Hackman Death A Mystery
Hackman's body was found in a mud room, near a pair of sunglasses. Officers noted that his death seemed to share similar signs of sudden collapse, consistent with the condition of Arakawa. The couple's other two dogs were found alive on the -- one inside the house and the other outside.
Along with all that news, authorities reportedly also found an open prescription pill bottle, with pills scattered on the floor near Arakawa. There were no signs of forced entry or theft. Fire department officials confirmed there was no carbon monoxide leak or poisoning in the home.
Hackman, 95, retired from acting within the last decade.
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy," his family said in a statement to USA Today. "He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career. But to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely."
The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department, along with the New Mexico Gas Co., is collaborating on the inquiry. The cause of death for both Hackman and Arakawa will be determined by a medical examiner. The investigation is ongoing, with officials also urging patience as they await results.
The couple's home, located in Santa Fe, was their retreat, but now it remains the site of a puzzling and tragic mystery.
