Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s bodies were found in different rooms (Image: Getty Images)
In a shocking turn of events, investigators have uncovered a cache of drugs and a chilling document inside the “mummified” home of legend . The grim discovery has cast new light on the actor’s reclusive lifestyle and comes amid swirling rumours regarding the mysterious cause of death.
The family had previously hinted at carbon monoxide poisoning, prompting police to order autopsies and toxicology reports. Confirming the heartbreaking news, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza announced that were found dead alongside their German Shepherd dog last Thursday. As more details surface about the couples untimely demise, authorities are pressing forward with their probes.
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Gene and Betsy had been married for 34 years (Image: Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Reports indicate that both Gene and Betsy were discovered in a “mummified” state by a maintenance man attending to routine duties at the property, reports . Upon finding the bodies, the maintenance worker made an urgent call to 911, stressing to the emergency operator: “I have no idea, I have no idea, I’m not inside the house, it’s closed. I see she’s laying down on the floor.”
Gene, who passed away at age 95, had a prolific career gracing screens for over six decades, achieving accolades such as two Academy Awards, two BAFTA Awards, four Golden Globes, a SAG Award, and the Silver Bear.
A search of the lavish $3.8 million home by investigators on Thursday unearthed thyroid medication, Diltiazem, and Tylenol. They found Arakawa dead in the bathroom, with prescription pills spilled near her.
Further discoveries included a 2025 monthly calendar planner implying future plans of the couple. Additionally, two green phones and the couple’s health records were retrieved, with their precise contents remaining undisclosed.
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Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have died (Image: Getty Images)
After early morning autopsies on Thursday, authorities are still anticipating the complete reports, including toxicology results.
Leslie Anne Hackman, one of Gene’s children, speculatively shared with DailyMail.com her and her sister Elizabeth Jean’s concern that the couple might have succumbed to noxious fumes from a potential carbon monoxide leak.
Nonetheless, following an examination for carbon monoxide and other dangerous substances by Santa Fe City Fire crew and the New Mexico Gas Company, the residence was deemed not hazardous.
An affidavit stated: “New Mexico Gas Company responded to the residence and conducted active testing on the gas line in and around the residence.”
It continued, “As of now, there are no signs or evidence indicating any issues with the pipes.”
Sheriff Adan Mendoza made a statement on Thursday, clarifying that the initial assessments indicated “no external trauma to either individual.”
He added: “There were no apparent signs of foul play. The manner and cause of death has not been determined. The official results of the autopsy and toxicology reports are pending. This remains an open investigation.”
Meanwhile, Gene’s daughter Leslie expressed that the family is trying to come to terms with the sudden loss as ‘there was no indication that there was any problem’ prior to her father’s untimely passing. She shared, “Despite his age, he was in very good physical condition,” She disclosed how her father maintained an active lifestyle, stating, “He liked to do Pilates and yoga, and he was continuing to do that several times a week. So he was in good health.”
The couple have both died (Image: NY Daily News via Getty Images)
The bodies of Gene and Betsy Hackman were confirmed by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office to have been found at least one day post-mortem, amid speculations that the time of death could extend to a fortnight previous.
Further details emerged when an arrest warrant, procured by DailyMail.com, detailed that the couple’s corpses exhibited clear indicators of decomposition and were partly mummified. The location where Gene was discovered, in a mudroom next to the kitchen with his sunglasses and walking stick at hand, led to the assumption he may have taken a fatal fall.
As for Betsy, she was located within the home’s bathroom, an open bottle of prescription medication strewn over the countertop. Both exhibited no evident injuries or wounds.
New Mexico’s notably dry climate is believed to have played a part in somewhat preserving their bodily states.
The couple were both found dead in their home (Image: AP)
Officials have announced that it could be a six-week wait for complete autopsy results following the tragedy. It took several hours to identify the couple, with their deaths only being confirmed to the public in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Daughter Leslie fondly remembered her parents, Gene and Betsy, who enjoyed 34 years of a “wonderful” marriage, praising her mother Betsy’s pivotal role in sustaining Gene’s wellbeing throughout their enduring union.
Despite leading a quiet life away from the spotlight, one of Gene Hackman’s last public appearances was captured as he looked visibly weakened, outside a 7-Eleven, clutching a coffee and an apple pie. He leaves behind his three children – Christopher Allen, Leslie Anne, and Elizabeth Jean.