The deaths of Gene Hackman, his wife, and their dog have raised numerous questions, with authorities labeling the situation as "suspicious.". Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the tragic news of their deaths, revealing that just after midnight the couple and their dog had died.
The police said it is currently an active investigation but they do not believe that foul play was a factor at this time. They added two other surviving dogs were found at the property. While the investigation is still ongoing, some of his family believe carbon monoxide poisoning could be the cause of their deaths.
Read updates on the tragic death of Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa in the Mirror's live blog HERE. However, a search warrant obtained by TMZ has revealed that there are "no clear signs of a gas leak" found at the scene. The warrant has also revealed that a Santa Fe detective, who requested the warrant, expressed concerns about the circumstances surrounding the deaths in his affidavit.
Firefighters who arrived on the scene found no evidence of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning. New Mexico Gas Company also tested the gas lines around the home and reported no issues with the pipes. The detective stated that the nature of the deaths warranted a detailed investigation. Several unsettling details were noted: the front door of the home was found open and unsecured, a healthy dog was observed roaming freely on the property, another dog was found near the wife’s body, and a third dog was discovered dead in a closet near the bathroom.
Additionally, the heater appeared to have been moved, an open pill bottle with scattered pills was found beside the wife, and Hackman’s body was located in a separate room. Betsy's body was discovered on the floor of the bathroom, lying on her right side next to the countertop. A black space heater was found nearby, and authorities speculated it might have fallen if Betsy collapsed unexpectedly.
An orange prescription bottle was open on the countertop with pills scattered around it. Betsy’s body showed signs of decomposition, including facial bloating and mummification of her hands and feet, indicating she had been deceased for some time. In a nearby bathroom closet, a deceased German Shepherd was found, lying 10 to 15 feet from Betsy. Two other dogs were found alive and in good condition, one inside the home and the other outside.
Gene Hackman was discovered in a different room near the kitchen. Fully dressed, he appeared to have suffered a sudden fall, as his sunglasses were found next to his body. A statement from the Santa Fe County Sheriff in New Mexico said there is an “active investigation” was underway: "We can confirm that both Gene Hackman and his wife were found deceased Wednesday afternoon at their residence on Sunset Trail. This is an active investigation – however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor.".
In his later years, Hackman lived a reclusive life - choosing to hide from the spotlight with wife Betsy and their beloved German Shepherd dogs. The actor was snapped outside a 7-Eleven store looking frail, carrying a coffee and an apple pie. Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.
