Detectives are now investigating the death of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, who was found dead in his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Thursday, February 26. The actor was 95. However, the death of his 63-year-old wife, Betsy Arakawa, whose body was found in a separate room, has police suspecting foul play. One of Hackman and Arakawa’s dogs was also found dead in the home. Two other dogs were later found still alive on the property.
Although the investigation has found no signs of struggle or gunshot wounds, Arakawa was found in the bathroom near an open bottle of prescription pills. Police are now working with The New Mexico Gas Company to see if the deaths could result from a leak. Detectives noted no evidence of a gas leak, though carbon monoxide exposure may not show signs of poisoning.
The bodies were discovered by a worker who arrived at the home on the morning of February 26. He reported to authorities that the front door was open when he arrived.
Hackman is being remembered for his incredible talents as an actor. He won two Academy Awards, his first in 1972 for his work in The French Connection and his second two decades later for Unforgiven. Arakawa is also remembered for her artistic talent. She is a classically trained pianist; the two met in the mid-1980s and shared their $4 million Santa Fe home for over 30 years.
