Veteran Hollywood actor Gene Hackman likely passed away nine days before he and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found inside their Santa Fe, New Mexico home, according to Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Mendoza stated that the last recorded signal from Hackman’s pacemaker was on February 17, suggesting that he likely passed away that day.
“It’s a reasonable assumption that it was his last day of life,” Mendoza told reporters. However, the official cause of death remains undetermined.
Investigation rules out carbon monoxide poisoning
Despite early speculation, investigators have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning after tests came back negative. However, it remains unclear who passed away first, as Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 64, were found in separate rooms when authorities entered their home.
The couple, known for their private lifestyle in Santa Fe since the 1980s, were discovered on Wednesday when a caretaker in their gated community noticed something unusual. He saw Hackman unresponsive through a window and immediately called emergency services.
Mummification of the bodies explained
According to details shared by the sheriff with Reuters, Hackman was found in the kitchen, while Arakawa and one of their dogs were in the bathroom. Nearby, an open prescription bottle with scattered pills was discovered, suggesting a possible medical emergency or overdose. Authorities also noted that a back door was slightly open, allowing the two surviving dogs to move in and out of the house.
A report by The Associated Press, based on a search warrant affidavit, revealed that the couple’s bodies were in an advanced state of decomposition, with signs of mummification in Arakawa’s hands and feet. Hackman’s body showed similar signs.
Forensic expert Dr. Philip Keen explained to AP that mummification is not uncommon and depends on factors such as humidity, body type, and altitude. Santa Fe, located in one of the driest regions of the U.S., may have accelerated the process.
Authorities found no signs of blunt force trauma. However, Mendoza emphasized that toxicology reports have been ordered to analyze the pills and medications found in the home. “That is obviously crucial evidence at the scene,” he told NBC News, adding that results could take three months or longer.
Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, had largely retreated from public life in recent years due to health issues. He was widely celebrated for his roles in The French Connection (1971), Bonnie and Clyde (1967), and Unforgiven (1992), cementing his place as one of the greatest actors of his generation. Throughout his career, he starred in over 80 films, earning immense admiration from fans and critics alike.
(With inputs from Reuters and AP)