DEAD FOR 10 DAYS!! Gene Hackman's Death – Here’s What We Know

Officials suspect Gene Hackman (95) had been dead since February 17—10 days before the bodies of the Oscar-winning actor and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, were discovered at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, even as investigations are on in the U.S. to determine how the couple died.

Police discovered the bodies of Hackman, Arakawa, and one of their dogs on February 27 after a maintenance worker called emergency services. Hackman was found in a side room near the kitchen, while Arakawa, 65, was in a bathroom. Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated the couple appeared to have been “dead for quite a while,” with Arakawa’s body showing signs of decomposition and mummification.

Authorities have not yet determined a cause of death. There were no visible injuries, and a carbon monoxide poisoning test came back negative. A portable heater was found near Arakawa, possibly knocked over in a fall. Prescription medications for thyroid and high blood pressure were discovered in the home. Hackman was found in casual clothing, with sunglasses and a walking cane nearby.

The front door was open when the maintenance worker arrived, but there were no signs of forced entry or struggle. Nothing appeared to be stolen or disturbed inside the home. Sheriff Mendoza stated, “There was no indication that a crime had occurred.”

Hackman’s pacemaker last registered activity on February 17, leading authorities to believe that was his last day alive. However, it remains unclear who passed away first. His daughter, Leslie Anne Hackman, described him as being in good health, crediting Arakawa for his well-being. Autopsy and toxicology results are pending and could take months to provide answers.