Police Deem Gene Hackman & Betsy Arakawa’s Deaths ‘Suspicious Enough’ To Solicit Full Investigation

Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakwa and one of their three dogs were found dead in their Santa Fe home on Wednesday.

The story sent a ripple through the heart of movie lovers, as Hackman was one of the most prominent actors during his life, having accumulated 100 screen credits and snagged two Oscars.

Even though officials state that there was no sign of forced entry or missing items, they still deemed the whole thing suspicious enough to launch a full-on investigation. Here’s everything we know so far about the curious case.

Actor Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa Were Found Dead In Separate Rooms

First of all, there was no evidence of foul play in the preliminary findings carried out by medical examiners, but it will still take some time before we can truly be sure that Hackman and Arakwa’s deaths weren’t from malicious causes.

One thing worth noting is that authorities have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning. The 95-year-old actor had been living with his wife, who is a classical pianist, at the Sante Fe property for decades. The couple’s bodies were discovered by a maintenance worker conducting pest control.

The worker immediately called 911 after making the grim discovery. First responders reported that the bodies had started to rot, suggesting that they’d been dead for some time.

The front door was found ajar at the time of their arrival, with the couple’s bodies laying in different rooms. Arakawa’s body was found on the floor of a bathroom near the front door. An open prescription bottle and scattered pills lay nearby.

Hackman was discovered in the mudroom with his walking cane, and a pair of sunglasses nearby. So far, the police treating the case said that it was as though both Hackman and Arakawa, 65, had suddenly fallen down and died. The pair were fully clothed on discovery.

While the police were unable to find signs of foul play, they have refused to treat this as routine. It could take up to two weeks before the autopsy and toxicology reports come in.

Meanwhile, the Hackman’s family has released a statement mourning the actor and his wife: “We are devastated by the loss of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy. To the world, he was a brilliant actor, but to us, he was Dad and Grandpa.”

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Gene Hackman right now. Come back here often for all Gene Hackman spoilers, news, and updates.

Editorial credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com