Authorities are probing the suspicious deaths of acting legend Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, 65. The pair, along with one of their dogs, were discovered dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico residence. The situation appears suspicious and a further investigation is underway.
Unfolding Details
Initially, the officials suspected poisoning from carbon monoxide. The New Mexico Gas Co. was brought in to assist with the investigation, but the latest development contradicts this hypothesis. A newly issued search warrant confirms prescription medication pills littered around Arakawa’s body. Hackman and Arakawa did not have any apparent injuries. There was no suicide note, either, contributing to the puzzle.
Arakawa’s body exhibited mummification in her hands and feet, indicating they had been dead for a while prior to discovery. Hackman was found in the mudroom, fully dressed, with a cane next to him. This caused police to wonder if he had experienced a sudden fall. Arakawa was discovered close to a space heater in the bathroom, which could have fallen over.
No Evidence of Gas Leaks
Although there was initial suspicion, investigators did not find gas leaks . The firefighters checked the residence but found no traces of carbon monoxide poisoning. Due to the nature of the incident, authorities have deemed the case suspicious and are investigating it thoroughly.
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Friends and Family React
Their deaths shocked the neighbourhood. Arakawa was interviewed in January by longtime friend Barbara Lenihan. Hackman, she said, had gotten more frail but stayed active. “They always remained by themselves, yet everyone cherished them,” she added.
Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, spoke to TMZ that at first the family suspected carbon monoxide poisoning but was still unsure. Autopsy reports will provide more insight into what actually occurred within the remote Santa Fe residence.
A Legacy Remembered
Gene Hackman, a two-time Academy Award-winning actor, appeared in such classics as The French Connection and Unforgiven. He hung up his Hollywood hat in 2004 and spent the latter part of his life in New Mexico with Arakawa, whom he wed in 1991. The probe persists as police seek to determine the motive for this heartbreaking tragedy.
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