Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa Had Mummified Body Parts When Found
Originally appeared on E! Online
More details are being uncovered in the investigation into Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's deaths.
The acting legend, 95, and his wife, 64, along with one of their three dogs, were found dead in their home after police were called to their residence for a routine welfare check on Feb. 26. And now, the Santa Fe Sheriff's Office has provided further insight into why authorities believe the pair—who married in 1991—had been deceased for "at least a day."
According to an affidavit obtained by NBC News Feb. 27, Arakawa's body—which was found in the home's bathroom next to a space heater and a bottle of pills that was "open with pills scattered on the countertop," per the document—was already showing visual indications of decomposition.
"The female decedant showed obvious signs of death, body decomposition, bloating in her face," read the affidavit, "and mumification in both hands and feet."
For reference, the process of bloating and mummification usually begin about 24-48 hours after a body has been deceased, according to Live Science.
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And Hackman—who was discovered in the kitchen area of the house and suspected to have "suddenly fallen"—was in a similar state upon their arrival. As the affidavit, which was submitted to obtain a search warrant, continued, "The male decedent also showed obvious signs of death, similar and consistent with the female decedent."
In addition to providing insight into the timing of the passing of Hackman and Arakawa, the Sante Fe Sheriff's Office declared that officials have deemed the circumstances around the tragedy as "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”
For one, preliminary findings found no external signs of trauma, the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office told NBC News. However, when the Santa Fe City Fire Department responded to a request to conduct carbon monoxide testing, they “did not locate signs of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning.” A cause of death has still yet to be determined, according to the outlet.
Furthermore, the front door to the couple’s home had been left ajar—which was what had prompted the call to authorities—though there were no signs of forced entry, per the affidavit.
Following the pair's untimely deaths, Hackman’s friends, colleagues and admirers spoke out to honor his legacy.
"Gene Hackman (was) a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity," Francis Ford Coppola—who directed the actor in 1974's The Conversation—wrote on Instagram Feb. 27. "I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution."
And Star Wars' George Takei echoed that sentiment, describing the Birdcage star as "one of the true giants of the screen."
"Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it," George wrote in a message on X. "He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. That’s how powerful an actor he was. He will be missed, but his work will live on forever."
For more stars' reactions to Hackman's sudden passing, keep reading.
(E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)
Prince William & Kate Middleton
"So sad to hear the news of the death of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy," the couple wrote on their joint X account. "Hackman was a true genius of film who brought each and every character to life with power, authenticity and star quality."
Gwyneth Paltrow
The Royal Tennanbaums actress shared a photo of herself, Luke Wilson and Gene on the set of the Wes Anderson film alongside a broken heart emoji in a Feb. 27 Instagram post.
Tom Hanks
The Cast Away star also kept his tribute short and sweet, writing in a Feb. 27 Instagram post alongside an old photo of the star, “There has never been a ‘Gene Hackman Type.’ There has only been Gene Hackman.”
Elizabeth Hackman, Leslie Hackman & Annie Hackman
"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy," the actor's daughters—whom he shares with ex Faye Maltese—and grandaughter wrote in a statement shared with E! News. "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. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss."
Francis Ford Coppola
The Megalopolis director, who directed Gene in The Conversation, shared a touching tribute shortly after news of Gene’s death broke.
“The loss of a great artist, always cause for both mourning and celebration,” the director wrote on Instagram Feb. 27, alongside a photo of the pair. “Gene Hackman a great actor, inspiring and magnificent in his work and complexity, I mourn his loss, and celebrate his existence and contribution.”
Viola Davis
The How To Get Away With Murder actress wrote a touching post directed at the actor himself.
“Loved you in everything!” Viola wrote in a Feb. 27 Instagram post. “The Conversation, The French Connection, The Poseidon Adventure, Unforgiven—tough yet vulnerable. You were one of the greats. God bless those who loved you. Rest well, sir.”
Nathan Lane
“Getting to watch him up close it was easy to see why he was one of our greatest,” The Birdcage star told USA Today in a statement. "You could never catch him acting. Simple and true, thoughtful and soulful, with just a hint of danger. He was as brilliant in comedy as he was in drama and thankfully his film legacy will live on forever.”
He added, “It was a tremendous privilege to get to share the screen with him and remains one of my fondest memories. Rest in peace, Mr. Hackman.”
Hank Azaria
Comedian Hank Azaria, who also starred in The Birdcage alongside Gene, wrote a touching tribute.
“It was an honor and an education working with Gene Hackman,” he wrote on X, adding a few kind words from the film’s director, “Mike Nichols said of his genius character acting: ‘He always brought just enough of a different part of the real gene to each role he played.’ Sending all my love to his family & friends.”
Pedro Pascal
The Last of Us star proved Gene’s continued influence on Hollywood, sharing an old photo of the star on his Instagram Story, writing, “My actual favorite.”
Michael Rosenbaum
The Smallville actor, who shared the part of Lex Luthor with the Superman star, wrote to Instagram, “To my favorite Lex Luthor and one of the all time greatest actors ever! RIP.”
Antonio Banderas
The Mask of Zorro star wrote in a post on X, “A very sad day for the cinema’s family. Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have passed away. My deepest condolences to friends, family and cinema lovers.”
John Simm
“Sad news today,” the Collateral star wrote in a tribute on Instagram. “You’d be hard pressed to name a better screen actor than this man. Because there isn’t one. Perfection in every single role he played, a huge inspiration for me and for generations of actors. And he could do it all. He made the craft look effortless. A true artist.”
George Takei
The Star Trek alum commemorated his old peer with a heartfelt note to X.
“Gene Hackman could play anyone, and you could feel a whole life behind it,” George wrote. “He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe. That’s how powerful an actor he was. He will be missed, but his world will live on forever.”
Edgar Wright
Edgar Wright—who directed Baby Driver and Last Night in Soho—shared a tribute to the late actor on X, writing, “The greatest…”
Cary Elwes
“We have lost a true legend,” the Princess Bride star wrote in a Feb. 27 Instagram post. “The magnificent Gene Hackman has passed away. A man whose breadth of talent was immeasurable. Growing up on his movies was an absolute thrill for me."
He continued to emphasize the impact of Gene's craft.
"To observe his remarkable facility and humanity in every role was something to behold," he added. "Whatever film he was in, he made it better. A force of nature like no other and as such there will never be another like him. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fans all over the world. Rest in absolute power, Gene.”
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