The tragic passing of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, has left the entertainment industry and fans in shock.
Authorities have now revealed that the couple may have been dead anywhere from several days to a couple of weeks before their bodies were discovered in their New Mexico home.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza addressed the timeline uncertainty during an interview, stating that piecing together an exact timeframe has been difficult.
Based on initial evidence and the condition of their bodies, it is believed they had been deceased for an extended period.
However, determining whether they passed at the same time or separately remains a challenge.
The couple, along with one of their dogs, was found on Wednesday afternoon.
Hackman, 95, was discovered near the kitchen, appearing to have fallen, while Arakawa, 64, was found on the bathroom floor with pills scattered on a nearby countertop. Authorities are carefully examining the medications found in the home as part of the investigation.
Medical experts, including board-certified forensic pathologist Dr. Priya Banerjee, have weighed in on the case, explaining that it is too early to determine an official cause of death. Dr. Banerjee pointed out that the spilled pills might provide insight into Arakawa’s medical history, and all possibilities—including suicide—must be considered. Additionally, the emotional toll of discovering a deceased spouse could have played a role in Hackman’s passing.
Sheriff Mendoza emphasized that the autopsy and toxicology report will be critical in understanding what happened. Arakawa’s body was found in a state of decomposition, with mummification in her hands and feet and noticeable bloating in her face. These details suggest that she had been deceased longer than Hackman, though officials have not confirmed this theory.
Dr. Banerjee also noted that the environmental conditions inside the house could have impacted the rate of decomposition. With New Mexico’s dry, desert-like climate, heat and humidity—or lack thereof—may have played a role. She added that decomposition can vary within different parts of a house, depending on exposure to sunlight or cooler areas like basements.
Another concerning element in the case is the death of one of the couple’s dogs. The canine, which was reportedly inside a crate or kennel, likely died from dehydration. Dr. Banerjee explained that if the dog had access to the deceased couple, it would have tried to get to them. Two other dogs were found alive, suggesting they may have been in a different section of the home.
Initially, family members suspected carbon monoxide poisoning as a possible cause of death. However, an inspection of the residence by fire department officials and a gas company found no evidence of a leak. Despite this, Santa Fe Fire Chief Brian Moya acknowledged that the presence of natural gas in the home meant it could not be ruled out entirely. Dr. Banerjee agreed, suggesting that carbon monoxide levels should still be tested, as leaks can dissipate over time.
Authorities have confirmed that both Hackman and Arakawa will undergo carbon monoxide and toxicology testing, with results expected in the coming weeks. These findings will be essential in shedding light on what caused their deaths.
The heartbreaking circumstances surrounding the discovery have left many questions unanswered. The lack of clear signs of foul play or external trauma only deepens the mystery. Hackman’s daughter, Leslie, previously stated that her father was in good physical health, making the unexpected nature of his passing even more puzzling.
As the investigation continues, fans and loved ones await further details about what led to the couple’s tragic deaths. Gene Hackman, an Oscar-winning actor known for his roles in The French Connection, Unforgiven, and Superman, leaves behind a legacy in Hollywood that will never be forgotten. He is survived by his three children from his previous marriage to Faye Maltese—Christopher, Elizabeth, and Leslie—who now mourn the loss of their father and stepmother.
With authorities working diligently to uncover the truth, the final autopsy report will be a crucial piece of the puzzle in understanding the final moments of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa. Their deaths remain an open investigation, and the world continues to wait for answers.
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