New Mexico, Mar 3, (V7N) - The deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa, are under investigation following their discovery in their New Mexico home on Wednesday. Hackman, 95, had stepped out of the public eye in recent years but was still a known and respected member of the local community.
 
Discovery of the Bodies Security officials found the bodies of Hackman, Arakawa, and their dog around 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28, 2025. Hackman and Arakawa had been dead for over a week before they were found. A statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office indicated that the couple's deaths may have occurred as early as February 17, 2025, based on the last recorded event from Hackman’s pacemaker.
 
Investigation Findings Sheriff Adan Mendoza shared that the couple’s deaths did not appear to involve foul play, though authorities are not ruling it out. An examination of the scene showed Hackman’s body in a mudroom near his cane, suggesting he may have fallen. His wife Arakawa was found in an open bathroom near a space heater.
 
Arakawa's body showed signs of significant decomposition, including bloating of her face and mummification of her hands and feet, indicating she had been deceased for some time before being discovered. Mendoza noted that Hackman and Arakawa had both tested negative for carbon monoxide poisoning.
 
The Couple’s Dogs Of the couple’s three German Shepherd dogs, one was found dead less than 15 feet away from Arakawa, inside a closet. The other two dogs were discovered alive, one in the bathroom near Arakawa and the other outside the home.
 
Community Reaction While Hackman had withdrawn from the public eye, his contributions to the entertainment world and his involvement in the Santa Fe community were highlighted by local figures. Jennifer LaBar-Tapia, Executive Director of the Santa Fe Film Office, spoke highly of Hackman, calling him "a legendary actor" and acknowledging his lasting impact on both the film industry and the community.
 
Uncertainty About Timing of Deaths Sheriff Mendoza also mentioned that it's difficult to determine if Hackman and Arakawa passed away at the same time or at different moments due to the lack of movement within the house. Investigators are continuing to gather information, and further analysis will be conducted to establish a clearer timeline.
 
As the investigation continues, authorities are focused on understanding the circumstances surrounding the deaths while ruling out various potential causes.
 
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