Gene Hackman’s last phone call records scrutinized to retrace final movements before death
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: Authorities are ramping up their investigation into the unexpected deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and one of their pets.
Found dead in their secluded Santa Fe home on February 27, the couple’s mysterious death has left more questions than answers, reported by Irish Star.
Authorities analyze Gene Hackman's last phone calls
"Detectives are now trying to build a timeline of the couple's final movements, when were they last seen in public. CCTV in this area will also be checked as well as their phone records to understand who they may have last spoken to before they died," a Good Morning Britain reporter noted.
"Now what doesn't help is the fact that they lived such a private life so as you can imagine, a lot of people here in this community are still grappling with the news," they added.
While autopsy reports revealed no signs of external trauma, the circumstances of their deaths remain unclear. Betsy, 65, was found in the bathroom near an open bottle of prescription pills, though it is unknown whether they belonged to her or Hackman.
The actor’s body was discovered in a mudroom near the kitchen, with both his and his wife's bodies showing signs of decomposition. Investigators have not ruled out any possibilities as they await further toxicology results.
The 'French Connection' and 'Unforgiven' star had largely stepped away from the public eye, last seen making a rare stop at a New Mexico 7-Eleven in 2023. His reclusive lifestyle has only added to the mystery surrounding his and his wife’s final moments.
Gene Hackman’s wife’s body showed signs of mummification
According to an affidavit obtained by PEOPLE, Betsy Arakawa’s body exhibited clear signs of decomposition, including bloating and mummification in her hands and feet. This finding has raised further questions as investigators work to determine the cause and manner of death for both individuals.
Mummification occurs when dead tissue dehydrates and hardens, often preserving the body for an extended period. While ancient Egyptians famously practiced artificial mummification, natural mummification can take place under specific conditions, such as extreme dryness, high temperatures, and good air circulation.
A report from the National Institutes of Health states that the complete mummification process can take anywhere from several weeks to a year, depending on environmental factors. Given the arid climate of New Mexico, the conditions could have accelerated the process in Arakawa’s case.
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that Hackman and Arakawa were likely deceased for at least a day before their bodies were found.
Authorities have ordered toxicology and carbon monoxide tests to determine whether external factors contributed to their deaths. Until those results are available, the cause remains undetermined, and investigators are treating the case with caution.
Betsy Arakawa kept Gene Hackman on strict diet, claims friend
Late Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman may have been known for his commanding screen presence, but behind the scenes, his wife, Betsy Arakawa, ensured he maintained a disciplined lifestyle especially when it came to his diet.
According to longtime friend and former business partner Doug Lanham, Arakawa was meticulous about what Hackman ate. Speaking to TMZ, Lanham shared that the actor followed a strict eating regimen, largely influenced by his wife.
Despite his strict diet, Hackman had a keen interest in the restaurant industry. He even co-owned Jinja Bar & Bistro, a popular dining spot.
Though he eventually sold his stake in the business seven years ago, he remained a frequent visitor, often choosing healthier options like halibut or rice-paper salmon instead of steak.
