A maintenance worker's distressing 911 call revealed the discovery of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa's bodies at their Santa Fe residence.
According to Daily Mail, the partially mummified remains of Oscar-winning actor Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 64, were discovered in separate rooms of their $3.3 million compound on Wednesday afternoon, with investigators suggesting they may have been deceased for up to two weeks.
The frantic maintenance worker who discovered the bodies made an emotional call to emergency services, repeatedly saying "Damn" while fighting back tears. Unable to provide specific details about the victims' ages or genders, the caller observed the scene through a window while standing outside the property.
Hackman's body was found in a mud room adjacent to the kitchen, with his sunglasses and cane lying nearby, suggesting a possible fall. His wife, Arakawa, was discovered in the bathroom, where investigators found scattered prescription pills on a countertop.
The cold, dry climate of New Mexico's desert contributed to the partial mummification of their bodies, helping preserve their skin and tissues. The couple's German Shepherd was also found deceased in a closet near the bathroom, while their two other dogs survived.
Initial concerns about potential foul play were raised when a sheriff first arrived at the scene. However, the Santa Fe Sheriff's Office has since indicated they do not suspect any criminal involvement in the deaths.
A firefighter dispatched to the property found no evidence of gas leaks, ruling out carbon monoxide poisoning, which Hackman's daughter Elizabeth had initially suggested as a possible cause.
Local officials stated that autopsy results could take between four to six weeks to be completed. Neither body showed signs of physical trauma, and investigators are still working to determine who died first.
The identification process took several hours, with news of their deaths not being released until after midnight Thursday morning. The precise timeline and circumstances leading to their deaths remain under investigation.
Hackman's illustrious Hollywood career included two Academy Awards - Best Actor for The French Connection in 1972 and Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven in 1993. His filmography features numerous critically acclaimed performances in movies such as Bonnie and Clyde, The Poseidon Adventure, Superman, and The Royal Tenenbaums.
After retiring from acting following his role in 2004's Welcome to Mooseport, Hackman chose a quiet life in Santa Fe, where he had relocated during the 1980s. The New Mexican city became his permanent residence as he stepped away from the spotlight.
The actor's decision to settle in Santa Fe reflected his desire for privacy and a simpler lifestyle away from Hollywood's demanding environment.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa's bodies were discovered by maintenance workers at their Santa Fe compound, ending their lives in the southwestern city they had called home for decades. While authorities continue their investigation, early findings suggest no foul play in the deaths of the 95-year-old acting legend and his 64-year-old wife. The results of their autopsies, expected in four to six weeks, may provide answers about the circumstances that led to their passing in separate rooms of their $3.3 million residence.
