Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Death Investigation: Initial Autopsy Findings Revealed

Watch:Gene Hackman Death: 911 Call & Autopsy Findings Released

Authorities have released more details about their investigation into Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa‘s deaths.

The longtime couple—along with one of their dogs—were discovered dead at their New Mexico home on Feb. 26, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. 

In a Feb. 27 news release, officials confirmed that an autopsy had been performed, with the Office of the Medical Investigator finding no signs of external trauma—meaning physical injury caused by an outside source—on either the Oscar-winning actor or the classical pianist.

“Carbon monoxide and toxicology tests were requested for both individuals,” the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said. “The manner and cause of death has not been determined. The official results of the autopsy and toxicology reports are pending.”

The department added, “It should be noted there were no apparent signs of foul play.”

Authorities were first called to Hackman and Arakawa’s home when a maintenance worker said they had not heard from the pair and asked security to conduct a welfare check, according to an affidavit from a Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office detective obtained by E! News. 

read
Gene Hackman Case: Sheriff Says Actor and Wife Betsy Were Dead for At Least a Day

Upon arrival, deputies discovered Hackman, 95, on the ground of the house’s kitchen area, while Arakawa, 63, was found in the bathroom with their deceased dog nearby, per the affidavit. 

Arakawa’s body showed “obvious signs of death, body decomposition, bloating in her face and mumification in both hands and feet,” the document stated, adding that Hackman “also showed obvious signs of death, similar and consistent with the female decedent.”

Other discoveries of note in the affidavit included a space heater and a prescription bottle that was “open with pills scattered on the countertop” in the bathroom where Arakawa was found, as well as two other “healthy” dogs on the property. 

Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

The detective noted in the document there were “no obvious signs of a gas leak” at the residence and that investigators “did not locate signs of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning.”

“At this time, the manner and cause of death pertaining to Eugene ‘Gene’ Allen Hackman and Betsy Arakawa passing is unknown,” the affidavit read, adding that the circumstances around their deaths are “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”

Per the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office, an investigation is ongoing.

For a look back at Hackman’s life—and his years with Arakawa—keep reading.

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