Gene Hackman’s family release statement as his and wife Betsy Arakawa’s deaths called ‘suspicious enough’ for investigation

On February 26, Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63, were discovered deceased in their Santa Fe residence. Authorities have acknowledged that one of their dogs died, but they have not revealed the cause of death. According to Sheriff Adan Mendoza, an initial inquiry is still in progress.

In a statement, Hackman’s granddaughter Annie and daughters Elizabeth and Leslie said, “To the world, he was a brilliant actor, but to us, he was Dad and Grandpa.” He will be greatly missed.

Despite the fact that no external trauma was discovered, authorities have not ruled out foul play. The front door was unlocked when a maintenance worker found the couple. Betsy had a spilled prescription bottle next to her on the bathroom floor by a space heater. Hackman appeared to have fallen suddenly because he was discovered in another room with sunglasses and a cane. Betsy was in a state of decay.

The Santa Fe Fire Department and New Mexico Gas Company did not discover any leaks, so investigators ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning. Since the situation is still “suspicious enough” to call for additional investigation, police are conducting a thorough search.