Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63, were found dead in separate rooms of their Santa Fe mansion, authorities confirmed. One of their dogs was also discovered deceased.
Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth, expressed her grief and uncertainty about the cause of death, telling TMZ that while the house was built in 2000, they were unsure about any potential gas leaks or recent service issues. However, investigators have ruled out a gas leak and are still searching for answers.
According to the Associated Press, Hackman’s body was found in a mudroom, while Arakawa was in a bathroom near a space heater. Though no foul play was suspected, authorities described the deaths as “suspicious enough” to warrant further investigation. Pills were reportedly scattered in the bathroom.
Daily Mail reported that the couple’s bodies were partially mummified, indicating they had been dead for days or even weeks. Toxicology results are expected in three months as investigators work to piece together their final days.