Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, were found dead alongside their dog in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Wednesday, prompting an investigation by local authorities. Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated there were no immediate signs of trauma, and no foul play is suspected. The couple was discovered by an associate who placed an emergency call. They were found in separate rooms, with another dog alive but one deceased in a kennel. The sheriff’s office confirmed it was safe to enter the home, but an autopsy is pending to determine the cause of death. Hackman was a celebrated actor with a distinguished career.
An inquiry commenced on Thursday following the tragic discovery of renowned actor Gene Hackman and his spouse, Betsy Arakawa, along with their dog, at their residence in New Mexico, according to local officials.
Authorities from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office reported that the bodies of Mr. Hackman, aged 95, and Ms. Arakawa, aged 64, were located by sheriff’s deputies in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Santa Fe on Wednesday afternoon. The couple had resided in the vicinity for many years.
In a telephone interview, Sheriff Adan Mendoza of Santa Fe County stated that an acquaintance of Mr. Hackman and his family had made an emergency call on Wednesday afternoon after discovering the deceased couple.
Sheriff Mendoza indicated that the couple was found in separate rooms, with one of their dogs deceased in its kennel while two others were found alive. He mentioned that there were no apparent signs of trauma on the bodies, nor was a note discovered.
“At this point in our investigation, there’s nothing apparent to suggest that,” he remarked. “The autopsy will provide us with further details.”
Prior to entering the home, the sheriff’s office confirmed with both the fire department and the gas company that it was safe to do so.
“We’re not making assumptions that this was an accident or due to natural causes,” he stated. “This is not common.”
An earlier statement released by the sheriff’s office on Thursday indicated that foul play was not suspected.
The couple was discovered in their home situated in a quiet neighborhood high above downtown Santa Fe, characterized by its winding roads and stunning mountain views.
Mr. Hackman, recognized as one of Hollywood’s quintessential “Everyman” actors, received five Academy Award nominations and secured two during his illustrious 40-year film career. He starred in numerous films beloved by audiences, including “Bonnie and Clyde,” “The French Connection,” “The Poseidon Adventure,” “Mississippi Burning,” “Unforgiven,” “Superman,” “Hoosiers,” and “The Royal Tenenbaums.”