Death in Hollywood: Oscar Winner Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa Found Dead

Gene Hackman and Wife’s Death Ruled ‘Suspicious’ in Search Warrant: ‘No Obvious Signs of Gas Leak’ and ‘Thorough Investigation’ Required

Married American couple, Classical musician Betsy Arakawaand actor Gene Hackman, attend the Thalians Ball (in honor of Liza Minnelli) at the Century Plaza Hotel, Century City, California, October 8, 1994. (Photo by Jim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Ron Galella Collection via Getty

The deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have been ruled “suspicious,” according to search warrant affidavit released Thursday morning.

Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 63, were found dead in their home in Santa Fe, N.M., after midnight Thursday, the Santa Fe County Sheriff had confirmed. Authorities said there was no immediate indication of foul play, but no cause of death was provided. Now, their deaths are “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation,” the affidavit, released by New Mexico authorities, says.

“Affiant believes that the circumstances surrounding the death of the two deceased individuals to be suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation because the reporting party found the front door of the residence unsecured and opened, deputies observed a healthy dog running loose on the property, another healthy dog near the deceased female, a deceased dog laying 10-15 feet from the deceased female in a closet of the bathroom, the heater being moved, the pill bottle being opened and pills scattered next to the female, the male decedent being located in a separate room of the residence, and no obvious signs of a gas leak,” the affidavit reads.

Her body “showed obvious signs of death, body decomposition, bloating in her face and mumification in both hands and feet.” Hackman’s body was found in the mud room.

The deputy “suspected the male individual has suddenly fallen” and “showed obvious signs of death, similar and consistent with the female decedent.”

As part of the investigation, authorities may search the property and its “furniture, walls, plumbing equipment, or gas lines in or around the residence.” The affidavit adds that “Affiant is aware through training and experience individuals exposed to gas leaks (or poisonous gas) can suffer immediate and unexpected death.”

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