Actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe, N.M., home last month, with investigators facing challenges in determining the circumstances of their deaths due to the condition of their remains. The couple's partially mummified bodies, discovered on Feb. 26, have prompted an ongoing probe that has yet to rule out multiple possible causes, including natural death, accident, or suicide.
Authorities said the state of decomposition suggests the couple may have died up to two weeks before their bodies were discovered. Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that Hackman's pacemaker last registered activity on Feb. 17, nine days before maintenance workers and security personnel found the home's door open and alerted law enforcement.
"The elements include documentation of communication, so downloading a mobile phone for example, looking at mail, whether it was picked up or not, or perhaps newspapers that were delivered that were not picked up," said Dr. Bruce Goldberger, a toxicology professor at the University of Florida. He added that the dry desert climate likely played a role in preserving the bodies.
Hackman, an Academy Award-winning actor, was found fully clothed in a room off the kitchen, with his cane placed next to him. Arakawa was discovered in a separate room with a prescription bottle nearby and pills scattered across the bathroom counter. Authorities found no immediate evidence of foul play, forced entry, or a suicide note, but the unusual condition of the bodies has raised questions.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office confirmed that tests for carbon monoxide poisoning returned negative results. A toxicology report is still pending, a process that could take weeks to complete. Mendoza acknowledged the case remains complex, with authorities examining various possibilities.
"This is an active investigation-however, at this time we do not believe that foul play was a factor," the sheriff's office stated.
A search warrant affidavit revealed further details, including the discovery of the couple's three dogs in the home. One dog was found dead inside a closet, while two others survived. The condition of the deceased pet initially led to confusion regarding its breed.
Authorities retrieved personal belongings from the home, including a monthly planner and two cellphones, which will be analyzed for any relevant information. Investigators are also reviewing security footage, communication logs, and financial records to piece together a timeline of events leading to the couple's deaths.
Hackman, 93, was best known for his roles in The French Connection, Superman, and Hoosiers. He retired from acting in the early 2000s, spending much of his later years in Santa Fe, where he pursued painting and novel-writing. Arakawa, a former concert pianist, met Hackman in the mid-1980s while working at a California gym.
Their residence, a Pueblo-revival style home in a gated community, is located at an elevation of nearly 7,200 feet, where the arid climate may have contributed to the mummification process. Investigators noted that Arakawa's hands and feet showed signs of desiccation, a phenomenon observed in Hackman's body as well.
Santa Fe has long served as a retreat for artists and celebrities, with Hackman having served on the board of trustees at the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. The couple maintained a low profile, investing in local businesses and avoiding Hollywood's social circuit.
While the cause of death remains undetermined, Mendoza reiterated that investigators are considering all possibilities. Investigators are looking at "multiple elements" to determine the cause and manner of death, as well as the date and time, he said.
The sheriff's office is expected to provide further updates as forensic analysis continues.
