Officials are set to provide new information regarding the perplexing deaths of acclaimed actor Gene Hackman and his wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa, found deceased in their Santa Fe residence.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, collaborating with the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, the New Mexico Department of Health, and Santa Fe City Fire Department, will hold a press conference on Friday at 2 p.m. MT to discuss the ongoing investigation. The couple, whose bodies were discovered by a maintenance worker last week, were found in different rooms of their 9,000-square-foot home.
Gene Hackman, aged 95, was located in the mudroom, whereas Betsy Arakawa, 65, was discovered in a bathroom. Notably, an open prescription pill bottle and scattered pills were found near Arakawa, along with one of their dogs, which was also deceased. Remaining uncertainties shroud the case, as authorities aim to uncover the exact circumstances of their deaths.
The investigation has been labeled as ‘suspicious’ by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. However, there are no evident signs of foul play, nor any external traumas on the bodies. A check for carbon monoxide poisoning yielded negative results, with the New Mexico Gas Co. confirming no gas leaks in the home.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza expressed that the duo might have been deceased for several days before being found, pinpointing Hackman’s death to possibly February 17—the last recorded ‘event’ by his pacemaker. Initial reports about the deceased dog suggested it was a German shepherd, but further findings indicate it was an Australian kelpie mix. Two other dogs survived and are currently under proper care.
Speculation and concern continue to grow as the public anticipates the findings that will be shared in the forthcoming news conference. This tragic event involving such a renowned couple has captured significant attention, amplifying the urgency for clarity and resolution.
As authorities prepare to disclose more details, the mystery surrounding the deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa remains a topic of grave concern. The public eagerly awaits answers that might bring closure to this unsettling case.
