Gene Hackman, the legendary actor, and his beloved wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home. According to the initial findings by medical examiners, it is believed that Hackman had passed away around ten days before their bodies were discovered, along with one of their dogs. This information was shared by the county sheriff, as reported by the BBC.

The Findings from the Autopsy

Gene Hackman was 95 years old, while his wife Betsy, a talented pianist, was 65. Their bodies, along with their pet dog, were found without any immediate signs of foul play, indicating they had been deceased for some time, with reports mentioning partial mummification.

“In the early hours of Thursday, February 27, 2025, Hackman and Arakawa were taken to the medical examiner’s office. Autopsies were conducted, and preliminary results revealed no external injuries on either individual,” the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s office declared.

Uncertainty Around Their Passing

The sheriff’s office further shared that the last record from Hackman’s pacemaker was dated February 17, according to a pathologist’s study, suggesting that this was his final day of life. Adan Mendoza, the Santa Fe County Sheriff, mentioned at a press conference that the exact cause of death for both Hackman and Arakawa was yet to be determined.

They also ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as a cause. “We believe the autopsy report will be crucial in this investigation,” Mendoza told NBC.

Hackman was found in a hallway near the kitchen, while Arakawa and their pet dog, in a cage, were discovered in a bathroom, with pills scattered from a medication bottle, Reuters noted. Authorities are currently working to establish the last time the couple had contact with anyone outside.

Heartfelt Words from Hackman’s Family

Their daughter, Elizabeth, suggested that her father, stepmother, and the dog might have succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning. “We are waiting for information from the police. We never expected we’d have to handle going through their house and all of this,” Elizabeth expressed.

Despite his age, at 95, Hackman was reported to be in excellent physical health. “Even at his age, he was in very good shape. He enjoyed doing Pilates and yoga several times a week, maintaining his health,” shared Leslie, his younger daughter.

Annie, Hackman’s granddaughter, along with his daughters, released a statement expressing their grief: “With great sadness, we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy.

He was beloved and admired by millions worldwide for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just dad and grandpa. We will miss him greatly and are heartbroken by the loss.”

A Tremendous Loss Felt Throughout Hollywood

The news of Gene Hackman’s death sent ripples of shock throughout Hollywood. Known as one of the most talented actors of his generation, Hackman’s career spanned over five decades and included two Academy Awards. Clint Eastwood, a close friend and former co-star, shared a heartfelt message:

“There was never a more genuine actor than Gene. Intense, instinctive, never false. He was a reliable friend and will be missed deeply.”

Actor Tom Hanks also commented on the tragic news, stating: “There has never been another actor like Gene Hackman. He was one of a kind.” Other celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Viola Davis, and director Francis Ford Coppola expressed their condolences as well.

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