Priyanka Tiwari
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Gene Hackman, the world-renowned actor who has won an Academy Award, alongside with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, was found dead in their New Mexico residence on February 27, 2025. Reports said to CNN that the Officer Sheriff Santa Fe County started probing into the couple’s death, which has been labelled suspicious, owing to the vague details that surround it. It’s reported that the initial autopsy reports showed no clear external injury to the body, which makes the reason behind death ambiguous.
Suspicious Reasons Surrounding Their Deaths
Hackman, aged 95, was attending a session and was found along with Arakawa. A caregiver checked on them only to find them nonresponsive. Hackman and Arakawa’s 911 tape is in possession of CNN, where the caregiver can be heard yelling for faster emergency response. According to the sheriff office reports, the couple had been dead for several days before their bodies were found.
Arakawa's body was discovered partly inside a bathroom together with a heater, an unattended pet dog and numerous medicine containers laying open. Hackman’s body had been left inside the bathroom closet. For now, investigators think Hackman may have collapsed all of a sudden because there was no sign of forced entry or violence.
The front door was open and unattended, while two other dogs in the house were found living. Even though there were no signs of forced entry or manual interference, the officials do claim that it is not completely ruled out as a possibility.
Current Investigation and Toxicology Reports
Despite the absence of any suspicious activity, the sheriff’s office made it clear that ongoing investigation is still open. Carbon monoxide and toxicology tests were ordered to reveal if poisoning or other compounds led to their demise. Adan Mendoza, Let me remind you I am the sheriff in charge, noted how the autopsy and toxicology findings will be vital to uncover the truth.
Mendoza stated, ‘What needs to be emphasized is that toxicology results are important too because it will help us understand what actually went down’. Medical examiners estimate that it will take four to six weeks for the final reports.
Using a warrant, authorities have also sought to establish whether a gas leak or carbon monoxide intake were contributing factors, but they did not provide any supporting evidence.
Gene Hackman’s Legacy in Hollywood
For Hollywood, the death of Hackman signifies the end of a chapter. Over the course of five decades, Hackman received two Academy Awards and was nominated for a total of five. His most popular works include The French Connection, Hoosiers, Unforgiven, and The Firm. Additionally, he was known as Lex Luthor in the iconic 1970s and 1980s Superman films, making him a memorable cinematic villain.
Hackman was regarded as one of the greatest actors of his time due to his sharp-witted villainous roles and his unparalleled ability to portray conflicted authority figures. He brought a sense of seriousness to every show he acted in, making him adored among fans.
Family’s Reaction and Hollywood’s Tribute
In a joint statement, Hackman’s daughters and granddaughter described their grief by saying how “devastated by the loss” they are. As family, they remember him as a wonderful father and grandfather, alongside his contribution to acting.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy”, the family’s statement read. “He was loved and admired by millions worldwide for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad.”
It has been reported that Hackman is also expected to be honored during the forthcoming Oscar award show. CNN reports that he is already being internally discussed for a tribute “In Memorium” montage. He may also get a scripted mention from the host Conrad O’Brien or some other celebrity.
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