Preliminary autopsy results for Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, indicate that neither individual showed signs of external trauma, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday.
The couple, along with their dog, was discovered deceased in their New Mexico home on Wednesday, the sheriff’s office confirmed. Hackman was 95 years old.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause and manner of their deaths. The sheriff’s office stated in a Thursday news release that the case remains under active investigation.
Gene Hackman Found Lying on the Floor
Hackman was found lying on the floor in a separate room near the kitchen. According to the affidavit, the deputy believed he may have collapsed suddenly. The deputy also noted that both Hackman and Arakawa appeared to have passed away several days priorArakawa was discovered lying on the bathroom floor with an open bottle of prescription medication on the countertop nearby, and scattered pills close to her body, according to the affidavit. A space heater was positioned near her head, and a dog was found deceased inside the bathroom closet
Law enforcement received the call just before 2 p.m. local time on Wednesday. The caller, visibly distressed, told the 911 dispatcher they were unable to enter the home but could see two unresponsive individuals through a window.
The investigation found no immediate evidence of a carbon monoxide or natural gas leak, according to the report.
A search warrant was requested to examine the home for potential evidence, including combustible materials, controlled substances, weapons, and DNA. It remains unclear if a more thorough search has been conducted or what additional evidence may have been collected.
Medical examiner reports determining the official cause of death typically take four to six weeks to complete, according to Chris Ramirez, a spokesperson for New Mexico’s medical investigator’s office.
“We want to ensure the investigation is done thoroughly and that accurate information is released,” Mendoza stated on Thursday.
Hackman’s family expressed their grief in a statement, with his daughters and granddaughter saying they are “devastated by the loss.”
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy,” the statement read. “He was cherished by millions for his remarkable acting career, but to us, he was simply Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him deeply.”
Hackman’s passing comes just days before the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony.
A source familiar with the Oscars’ planning told CNN that Hackman will be honored during Sunday’s event. While details are still being finalized, possibilities include updating the “In Memoriam” montage to highlight his legacy or a tribute on stage, potentially delivered by host Conan O’Brien or another entertainer
Ford Coppola said Gene Hackman a great artist
Oscar-winning director Francis Ford Coppola, who collaborated with Gene Hackman on The Conversation, reflected on his passing, calling it “the loss of a great artist” and a moment for both mourning and celebration.
Actor and writer George Takei described Hackman as “one of the true giants of the screen,” praising his ability to embody any character with depth and authenticity. “He could be everyone and no one, a towering presence or an everyday Joe,” Takei wrote. “His work will live on forever.”
Hackman’s journey to stardom wasn’t immediate. He was 36 when he gained widespread recognition for his role in Bonnie and Clyde (1967), a part he landed after missing out on playing Mr. Robinson in The Graduate. Before his acting breakthrough, he served in the Marines and struggled to make ends meet in California and New York, at times sharing an apartment with Graduate star Dustin Hoffman. He took on various jobs, including working as a truck driver and doorman, before eventually becoming one of Hollywood’s most respected actors.
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