Gene Hackman’s Wife's Body Had Signs Of 'Decomposition' And ‘Mummification’ At Time Of Discovery

Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe home this week, and new details about the discovery have raised further questions.

Authorities were called to the residence on Old Sunset Trail around 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, where they found the bodies of Gene Hackman, his wife, and one of their German Shepherds deceased, while two other dogs were reportedly found alive on the property.

According to a search warrant obtained by TMZ, Arakawa’s body “showed obvious signs of death, body decomposition, bloating in her face, and mummification in both hands and feet.”

“The death of the two deceased individuals [is] suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation because the reporting party found the front door of the residence unsecured and opened,” the warrant further stated.

Authorities reported several unusual findings inside the home, including one healthy dog roaming the property and another near Arakawa’s body. Meanwhile, a deceased dog was discovered inside a bathroom closet.

Investigators also noted a displaced heater, an open pill bottle with scattered pills beside Arakawa, and Hackman’s body located in a separate room near the kitchen.

Hackman was discovered in a mudroom, while Arakawa’s body was located in a bathroom with a space heater nearby, according to The Associated Press. A deceased German Shepherd was also found about 10 to 15 feet away from Arakawa’s body.

While foul play is not currently suspected, the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office stated that the case remains an “active and ongoing investigation,” as the exact cause of death has yet to be determined.

“The deaths of Hackman and Arakawa are suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation,” the search warrant affidavit noted, per ABC News.

Officials told TMZ that the couple had been dead for at least a day before deputies arrived. The sheriff’s office added that more information would be released pending further forensic analysis.

Initially, Hackman’s family suspected that carbon monoxide poisoning may have been the cause of death for the actor and his wife. However, that theory has since been ruled out.

On Thursday, New Mexico Gas Company officials confirmed that they found “no signs or evidence indicating there were any problems associated with the pipes in and around the residence.”

Additionally, the fire department conducted thorough testing and found no traces of a carbon monoxide leak, further eliminating it as a possible cause.

As authorities continue to investigate the mysterious deaths, details have emerged about the 911 call made when Hackman and Arakawa’s bodies were discovered.

According to TMZ, a male caller, believed to be one of two maintenance workers, Roland Lowe Begay and Jesse Kesler, was audibly shaken as he frantically described the scene to the dispatcher. The man, struggling to hold back tears, repeatedly muttered “Damn” while sniffing, clearly overwhelmed by what he had witnessed.

Standing outside the home and peering through a window, the caller urgently pleaded for help. “[It’s] a female and a male, probably. I don’t know, sir. Just send somebody up here really quick,” he said.

Despite the dispatcher’s attempts to get more details about the “patients,” the caller was unable to provide their ages or confirm whether they were still breathing. He also admitted he had “no idea” if Hackman and Arakawa were awake, as he had not entered the home.

The two maintenance workers later told law enforcement that they hadn’t seen the couple for two weeks, raising concerns that Hackman and Arakawa may have been deceased for some time before being found.

As the investigation continues, authorities have yet to determine an official cause of death, though foul play is not currently suspected.

Hackman, a two-time Academy Award winner, was widely celebrated for his iconic roles in "The French Connection," and "The Royal Tenenbaums." Arakawa, a classical pianist, had been by his side since they began dating in the mid-1980s, later marrying in 1991.

The couple largely stayed out of the spotlight in Hackman’s later years, living a quiet life in New Mexico following his retirement from acting in 2004.

As investigations continue, fans and fellow Hollywood figures have begun paying tribute to the legendary actor and his wife, mourning their unexpected passing.