Oscar-winner Gene Hackman, wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog were dead for some time, warrant shows

Gene Hackman, Wife Betsy Arakawa, and Their Dog Found Dead in Santa Fe Home

Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and one of their dogs had been deceased for some time before a maintenance worker discovered their bodies at their Santa Fe, New Mexico, residence, according to investigators.

The bodies were found on Wednesday. Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Denise Avila stated there were no signs of gunshot wounds or injuries suggesting foul play. However, detectives noted in a search warrant affidavit that the circumstances were "suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation."

Hackman, 95, was found in the entryway of the home, while Arakawa, 65, was discovered lying on her right side in the bathroom. A space heater was found next to her head and may have fallen when she collapsed, according to the affidavit.

Following the discovery, the New Mexico Gas Co. tested gas lines inside and around the property but found no immediate issues. Additionally, the Fire Department detected no signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. A detective noted there were no obvious indications of a gas leak but acknowledged that exposure to gas leaks or carbon monoxide may not always present visible symptoms.