Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 64, were found dead at their $3.3 million Santa Fe, New Mexico compound on Wednesday afternoon. Their bodies were partially mummified, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of their deaths.
According to their close friend and former business partner, Doug Lanham, Betsy had been strict about Gene’s diet, only allowing him to "sneak a cheat meal" when he was out golfing with him. Gene, who retired from acting in 2004, had a long and storied career, winning two Academy Awards for his performances in "The French Connection" and "Unforgiven."
The couple’s deaths were discovered by an unnamed male, who made a frantic 911 call. The caller, who was one of the two maintenance men who stumbled upon the bodies, was emotional and repeatedly exclaimed "Damn" while sniffing away tears. The 911 call was released, and the caller can be heard telling the dispatcher that he found two bodies that are not moving and are in a house.
Gene and Betsy were found in separate rooms in their home, with Gene’s sunglasses and cane on the floor next to him, and an open bottle of prescription pills on the counter near Betsy. Neither showed any signs of wounds, and it is unclear who died first.
The couple’s three dogs were also found, with one German Shepherd dead in a closet and the other two surviving. A sheriff who arrived on the scene initially deemed the deaths as possibly suspicious, but the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office has since determined that there was no foul play.
Gene’s daughter, Elizabeth, speculated that her father and stepmom may have been killed by carbon monoxide poisoning, but a firefighter called to the scene found no sign of a gas leak. The results of the autopsies are expected to take four to six weeks to be released.
Gene Hackman was one of Hollywood’s most famous and prolific actors, with a career spanning over 40 years. He won numerous awards, including two Academy Awards, and starred in a wide range of films, including "Bonnie and Clyde," "The Poseidon Adventure," "Superman," "Mississippi Burning," "Postcards from the Edge," "The Firm," "Get Shorty," and "The Royal Tenenbaums."
Conclusion
The sudden and unexpected deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and left fans and colleagues mourning the loss of a beloved actor and his partner.
FAQs
- What was the cause of Gene Hackman’s death?
The cause of Gene Hackman’s death is currently unknown and is under investigation. - Who discovered the bodies?
The bodies were discovered by an unnamed male, who made a frantic 911 call. - How did Betsy Arakawa die?
Betsy Arakawa’s cause of death is also unknown and is under investigation. - When did Gene Hackman retire from acting?
Gene Hackman retired from acting in 2004.
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