Bodies mummified, scattered pills: The ‘suspicious’ circumstances surrounding Gene Hackman’s death

On Thursday (February 27), the world of acting lost one of its greats as news came in of the death of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman. The 95-year-old was found dead in his house in the US state of New Mexico, along with his wife Betsy Arakawa, a 65-year-old classical pianist, and their dog.

While at first, the police said that there was no foul play suspected in the deaths of Hackman and his wife and dog, Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office detectives later said that the deaths were “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”

We take a closer look at what exactly are the circumstances that have led the police to investigate the deaths.

Hackman and wife’s body found at home

On Thursday, it was reported that Gene Hackman , whose career spanned more than 40 years, was found dead at his Santa Fe residence in New Mexico. The couple had been living there since 2004 when Hackman retired from Hollywood. They had married in 1991.

Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office says they responded to a 911 call about 1:45 pm Wednesday to an address on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park. The call was made by one of two maintenance workers who had found the front door of the home ajar and the couple dead inside.

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Audio of the call, which was obtained by Fox News, reveals that the caller was highly emotional at the time of making the call — repeatedly saying “damn” and urging authorities to rapidly respond.

“No, they are not moving. Please send someone out here quick,” the caller says.

By 2 pm, deputies arrived at the address and found the bodies of Hackman, 95, Arakawa, 64, and the dog. There were two other dogs running around the property.

According to the authorities, the body of the actor was found in the mud room near the kitchen, while that of Arakawa was found on the floor of a bathroom. A dead German shepherd was found between 10 and 15 feet away from Arakawa in a closet in the bathroom.

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On Thursday afternoon, the authorities said that “there were no apparent signs of foul play.”

The detectives also found no sign of forced entry into the home. Nothing appeared out of place inside. Neither was there any indication that belongings had been rummaged through, or that any items had been removed.

Following autopsies performed on Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies, the authorities also said that there was no initial sign of external trauma to either of them. Carbon monoxide tests and toxicology tests were requested for both of them, it said, but the results were still pending and the causes of their deaths had not been determined.

Hackman’s daughter Elizabeth Jean Hackman, from his previous marriage, suspects toxic fumes may have been the cause of death. However, the New Mexico Gas Co tested the gas lines in and around the home and found no signs of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning.

“This remains an open investigation,” the sheriff’s office said.

Bodies bloated, mysterious pills found

Authorities note that a cane had fallen near Hackman’s body, leading them to believe he might have had a sudden fall. Meanwhile, Arakawa’s body was found in the bathroom with a space heater near her head. This has led them to believe that it could have toppled and knocked her over.

The warrant by the Sheriff’s County also states that there was an open prescription bottle and scattered pills on a counter near Arakawa’s body.

The affidavit filed by authorities also reveals that Arakawa’s body showed signs of decomposition, which means she had died some time ago, as well as “mummification in both hands and feet.” Hackman’s body was found in “similar and consistent” condition.

The circumstances have led authorities to investigate the deaths. They are looking for phones and any video evidence, as well as DNA and fingerprints. Moreover, even though there were no signs of trauma on the bodies, the investigators were asked to collect any blunt or sharp objects that could be used as weapons.

Hackman and wife cut off from the world

According to people who knew the couple, they had retreated from the public eye and were living a quiet life in Santa Fe.

According to Barbara Lenihan, a friend of the couple, she last spoke to Arakawa in January. She also said that Hackman seemed to be growing frailer, but he was still painting and drawing. “They always were somewhat reclusive even though everyone loved to be around them,” she said.

Hackman’s family, friends mourn his loss

The sudden death of the actor, who was nominated for five Oscars and won two, has left his loved ones bereft. “He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just dad and grandpa,” his daughters and granddaughter said in a statement Thursday. “We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss.”

Tributes also poured in from Hollywood . His co-star Clint Eastwood said, “There was no finer actor than Gene. Intense and instinctive. Never a false note. He was also a dear friend whom I will miss very much.”

Actor Bill Murray told the Associated Press, “He was a tough nut, Gene Hackman, but he was really good and he was really difficult. Like, we can say it now, but he was a tough guy because older great actors do not give young directors much of a chance. They’re really rough on ’em.”

Tom Hanks also wrote on his Instagram, “There has never been a ‘Gene Hackman Type.’ There has only been Gene Hackman.”

According to a CNN report, the Academy Awards, which is set for March 2, will honour Hackman’s contribution to cinema. While details haven’t been finalised, there might be an addition of Hackman in “in memoriam” montage. The other possibility is a mention of Hackman by host Conan O’Brien or another celebrity.

With inputs from agencies