Gene Hackman’s 95-year-old body was found in a mudroom at his Santa Fe mansion, partially mummified with his sunglasses and cane nearby. His wife, Betsy Arakawa, was discovered in the bathroom with bloating on her face and mummification in her hands and feet. The couple’s deaths were reported on February 26 after nearly two weeks without being seen by neighbors or authorities.
Sheriff Fe sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the deaths, stating that foul play is not suspected. However, evidence found included a significant piece of a pill next to Arakawa’s body, as well as the discovery of one of their dogs dead in a closet. The couple’s pacemaker recorded its final heartbeat on February 17, making it likely that this was Hackman’s last day alive.
The investigation into the deaths has raised questions about how the couple remained undetected for over two weeks. Neighbors revealed that they rarely saw the celebrity couple and were not even aware of their presence in the community. James Everett stated that he had never seen them, while Bud Hamilton mentioned only one instance where Hackman bought hiking shoes from his shop.
The case has been described as ‘suspicious enough to require a thorough search and investigation’, although no foul play is suspected. Sheriff Mendoza expressed confidence in this assessment but acknowledged the need for further inquiry.
Source: https://www.ladbible.com/entertainment/celebrity/gene-hackman-betsy-arakawa-neighbours-explain-quiet-life-025875-20250304