Police share new details on death of Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa saying they had been 'dead for some time'
Gene Hackman and his wife were found dead in separate rooms and had been there 'for some time', according to a warrant.
News broke earlier today (February 27) that the acclaimed actor and his wife 63-year-old wife Betsy Arakawa had been found dead in their Sante Fe, New Mexico, home.
Hackman, best known for movies like The French Connection, Superman and Enemy State, was 95 and had long ago retired from the film industry.
As well as the celebrity couple, one of their three dogs was also found dead.
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Hackman's daughter Elizabeth has since spoken out and said that it's believed her father, Arakawa, and their dog died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
As more information comes to light about their unexpected deaths, investigators have revealed that Hackman and Arakawa were found in separate rooms.
As per Associated Press, Hackman was found in a mudroom while his wife was in a bathroom next to a space heater.
In the bathroom there was an open prescription bottle and pills scattered on the counter top.
Such information was divulged in a Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office search warrant.
In addition to this, Denise Avila, a sheriff’s office spokesperson, confirmed that Arakawa and Hackman had no gunshot wounds or any other type of wounds.
In regards to how long they'd been there for, it's thought they had been deceased for some time. According to Mail Online, the couple were partially-mummified.
The investigation into their deaths remains ongoing.
Tributes across Hollywood have been rolling in for Hackman in the wake of his death.
Star Trek actor George Takei said of the late 95-year-old: "Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it. He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. That’s how powerful an actor he was."
American filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola added: "The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration: Gene Hackman a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity. I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution."
Elsewhere, Spanish actor Antonio Banderas wrote on Instagram: "A very sad day for… cinema’s family. Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have passed away.
"My deepest condolences to friends, family and cinema lovers. RIP."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].
Topics: Gene Hackman, Celebrity, News, Police
Niamh Shackleton