Gene Hackman, the 95-year-old Oscar-winning actor, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, have died under mysterious circumstances at their New Mexico home. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office has ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as a cause of death but is still investigating the case.
Autopsy results are expected to be key to the investigation, according to Sheriff Adan Mendoza. Hackman and Arakawa were found dead in their home on Wednesday, with no signs of foul play or external trauma. The couple’s bodies showed signs of “mummification,” suggesting they had been deceased for several days.
The sheriff believes that Hackman and Arakawa likely died on February 17, as indicated by his pacemaker’s last recorded event. Investigators are also looking into the possibility of a leak in the home, but the New Mexico Gas Company has confirmed there was no gas leak at the time of their deaths.
Medication found at the scene, including prescription pills and over-the-counter Tylenol, is being examined as part of the investigation. The couple’s two surviving dogs are being cared for by the Santa Fe Animal Control Division, which worked with the family to ensure their safety.
The sheriff’s office is reviewing the couple’s private life and trying to piece together a timeline of when they were last seen or spoken to. Leslie Hackman, his daughter, reported that she had not seen her father or stepmother in several months, but there was no indication of any unusual behavior.
While foul play is not currently suspected, the sheriff’s office remains open to investigating all possible scenarios. The investigation into Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s deaths will continue with further toxicology testing and analysis of evidence.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/gene-hackmans-death-police-await-autopsy-results-for-famous-couple-but-rule-out-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-191139419.html