Preliminary autopsies reveal Gene Hackman and wife had 'no external trauma' despite 'suspicious' deaths
SANTA Fe, NEW MEXICO: Preliminary findings from the autopsies of Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, revealed "no external trauma to either individual," according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office.
The couple was found dead at their New Mexico home on Wednesday, February 26, sparking an ongoing investigation.
The sheriff’s office issued a statement on Thursday, February 27, noting that the cause and manner of death for both individuals have yet to be determined. “This remains an open investigation,” the release said.
Sheriff’s deputy calls deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa 'suspicious'
“The circumstances surrounding the death of the two deceased individuals (are considered) to be suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation,” a sheriff's deputy stated according to the affidavit for a search warrant obtained by CNN affiliate KOAT.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza clarified that while foul play is not suspected at this time, it has not been entirely ruled out. “There was no obvious sign or indication of foul play,” he said in a Thursday news conference.
According to CNN News, there was no sign of a struggle or that items had been taken from the home.
The autopsy results are still being analyzed, with toxicology reports pending for both Hackman and Arakawa. The sheriff’s office has requested carbon monoxide and toxicology tests as part of the investigation.
“The autopsy is going to be key, and the toxicology,” Mendoza added, emphasizing the need for thorough and careful analysis to ensure all facts are gathered before releasing further details.
While investigators have not ruled out foul play, Sheriff Mendoza noted the importance of allowing the investigation to unfold with the facts leading the way.
Authorities investigate 'suspicious' deaths of Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman
The bodies of Arakawa and Hackman were discovered in their home, with Arakawa found lying in a bathroom next to scattered pills, an open prescription bottle, a space heater near her head, and a dead dog in the closet.
Hackman’s body was found in another room, and both appeared to have died days earlier. Two healthy dogs were found elsewhere in the home. The front door was open, but there were no signs of forced entry or theft.
The discovery was made by a caretaker who called 911, and no signs of a gas leak were found. A search warrant was issued to investigate for potential evidence.
The reports from the medical examiner, including the official cause of death, “generally take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to generate,” Chris Ramirez, spokesperson for the New Mexico medical investigator’s office remarked.
“We want to make sure that we get the investigation completed properly. And we want to release the proper information,” Mendoza stated on Thursday.
