Gene Hackman’s wife found mummified and bloated by workers after couple went unseen for two weeks: Cops

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO: In a tragic turn of events, the body of Gene Hackman’s wife, Betsy Arakawa, was discovered mummified and bloated by maintenance workers at the couple’s multimillion-dollar New Mexico home.

The workers, who had not seen the couple for about two weeks, found Arakawa’s body after the house had been silent for an extended period.

Authorities investigate suspicious death of Gene Hackman and his wife

According to a police affidavit, authorities were called to the scene after the workers noticed the home appeared abandoned. The door to the property, a $3.3 million estate located on six acres in Santa Fe, was found "unsecured and opened," raising concerns among deputies who soon arrived to investigate, the New York Post reported.

Inside, the body of Arakawa, a classical pianist, was discovered on the floor of a bathroom near the home’s entrance.

The officers noted that Arakawa’s body showed "obvious signs of death, body decomposition, bloating in her face and mummification in both hands and feet."

The discovery shocked investigators, who described the scene as suspicious, especially after an open prescription pill bottle and scattered pills were found nearby. Additionally, a black space heater was found near her head, leading authorities to suspect it may have fallen if Arakawa had collapsed suddenly.

Gene Hackman’s daughters mourn devastating loss of both parents

Gene Hackman’s body, according to reports, was found in a mudroom near a pair of sunglasses. Officers stated that it appeared the 95-year-old actor had "suddenly fallen." His body also showed signs of death similar to those found in Arakawa.

Fire department officials who responded to the scene reported finding no signs of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning.

The star’s daughters and granddaughter expressed that they were "devastated" by his passing, recalling him as "always just Dad and Grandpa." The couple's daughters, Elizabeth, Leslie, and Annie Hackman, expressed their grief in a heartfelt statement.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy. He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely and are devastated by the loss,” Elizabeth, Leslie, and Annie Hackman said.

While deputies did not find any signs of forced entry or theft, the cause of death for both Hackman and Arakawa remains under investigation by the medical examiner.