Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated that officials are conducting a preliminary death investigation and awaiting a search warrant. Hackman and Arakawa were found in separate rooms—Hackman in a mudroom and Arakawa in a bathroom near a space heater. A prescription bottle and scattered pills were observed in the bathroom.
Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth, told TMZ she suspects toxic fumes, possibly carbon monoxide poisoning. A gas company is assisting with the investigation. Reports suggest the couple had been deceased for an extended period, with their remains partially mummified.
Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, starred in over 80 films, including Bonnie and Clyde, The French Connection, and Superman. He retired from acting in 2004 and pursued novel writing. He and Arakawa, a retired pianist, had been married since 1991.
The entertainment world mourns the loss of an iconic actor and his wife. RIP Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa.
