The two-time Oscar winner and author Gene Hackman, 95 years old, and his wife, the 63-year-old classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were found dead on Wednesday afternoon local time. They were discovered in their home in the community of Santa Fe Summit – northeast of the city of Santa Fe in New Mexico – by a man who was to perform work in the couple's home. The door to the home was open.
The local police confirmed shortly after midnight that the couple had passed away, along with one of their dogs.
In Different Places
The circumstances surrounding the deaths are unclear. According to documents from the house search that was conducted, Gene Hackman, his wife, and the dog had been dead "for a while" and were found in different rooms: Hackman by an entrance and Arakawa in a bathroom. The dog was found near Arakawa. On the other hand, two living dogs were found on the property – one indoors and one outdoors.
According to the investigation, there are no signs that a crime has been committed, and no traces of shooting or other injuries have been found. The responsible gas company is said to have inspected the gas pipes inside and near Hackman's and Arakawa's home. According to the initial reports, no faults were found on the gas pipes, and the fire department has not seen any signs of a gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning as a cause of the deaths.
No Visible Signs
A detective is said to have written in a report that there were no visible signs of a gas leak, but he also noted that people who have been exposed to a gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning do not always show signs of having been poisoned.
The police said in an early stage that even though they do not believe it is a crime, the "investigation is active".
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa were married for over 30 years.
