Saturday 12 April 2025
Oscar-winning Actor Gene Hackman, Wife Betsy Arakawa and Pet Dog Found Dead at Residence
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Legendary actor Gene Hackman, 94, and his wife Betsy, 65, were found dead in their Santa Fe home alongside one of their dog, prompting an ongoing investigation as authorities rule out foul play while exploring various potential causes of death.
Gene Hackman, wife, and one of theirdogswere found confirmed dead on Wednesday afternoon, in the Santa Fe community Northeast of the city by the Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza. At the time of the interview, there was no indication of foul play with deaths according to Mendoza.
Death and Timing
On Wednesday, the sheriff’s deputies arrived at the residence in Hyde Park; however, the investigation was followed by a workers report to authorities when they couldnt get in the house and saw Arakawas body in the bathroom. Later, Hackmans body was found on the entryway when the authorities arrived. One of the three pet dogs, a German shepherd, was discovered dead in the bathroom closet near Betsys body.
Betsys decomposed body showed signs of mummification of feet and hands, confirming the longer interval between the death and the investigation.
Potential Causes
Mendoza explained the situation, ” There were no signs of a struggle, nor was anything missing from the home or disturbed in a way that would suggest a crime had occurred. The affidavit confirmed that there were no signs of agasleak in the house, and the fire department did not detect any indication of carbon monoxide leakage.
The circumstances surrounding the death of the two deceased individuals are suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation. The affidavit said, Mendoza also didnt refute any of the possibilities and said could have been victims of a double homicide, suicide, accidental death, or natural causes. The results of the autopsy are awaited, and the tests of toxicology and monoxide have been requested with the same.
Family grieves
Three of Hackmans children, Leslie, Elizabeth, and Christopher said in the joint statement that We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss. 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.”
Gene Hackman was one of the most beloved and popular stars in Hollywood, known for his roles in films such as Bonnie and Clyde, The French Connection, and The Conversation. He won numerous awards for his work, including twoOscars. Hackman retired from acting after his role in Welcome to Mooseport in 2004.
Gene had married his second wife Betsy in 1993, who was a classical pianist, and had been together ever since. At the time of the death, Betsy was 65 and Hackman was nearly 95 years old.
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