Baffling new findings on Gene Hackman's death: pills and toxic smoke

Gene Hackman expressed his desire to lead a quiet life with his wife in New Mexico, he told 'Empire' in 2020. That, he did, until he was 95 years old. His death, however, turned out to be much more complex than anyone could imagine.

The actor was found dead in his home along with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and one of his dogs. A maintenance worker called 911 after seeing the three bodies from outside the house, TMZ reports.

Reportedly, the maintenance worker told the 911 operator he could not get into the home. That's where the first question arises about this case, TMZ reports, as the door of the house was open when the police arrived. It was one of many mysteries and unanswered questions about the death of Gene Hackman and his wife.

So far, the sheriff of Santa Fe, Alan Mendoza, told the press that "there were no apparent signs of foul play." It does not take away from the fact that the circumstances of the multiple deaths are unclear and are even described by authorities as "suspicious." What happened at the Hackmans' house?

Image: The Royal Tenenbaums / Walt Disney Studios

According to The New York Post, the couple's bodies were in separate rooms. Gene Hackman was in the hallway, while Betsy Arakawa was in one of the bathrooms, surrounded by pills. Next to her was one of their dogs, who also died.

Strikingly, according to TMZ, Betsy Arakawa had been dead for at least a day. Her remains were in a state of decomposition, swollen, and there was a process of "mummification" in the hands and feet.

One of Gene Hackman's daughters, Elizabeth Jean, told the media that the deaths of her father and stepmother were probably caused by a gas leak. However, this statement was completely discredited by the police.

The house was restored in 2000 and is in good condition, reports TMZ. Both the police and the New Mexico gas company have ruled out a gas leak.

The autopsy of the bodies will provide many answers, but the report could take weeks to arrive. Therefore, the police are looking in and around the house for preliminary answers about the deaths.

For one, it was revealed that Gene Hackman, 95 years old, had been very restricted in his movements because of his health. In fact, he had been confined to his home since March 2024.

While waiting for all the answers, the only consolation left for Gene Hackman's fans is that he was able to live the quiet life he longed for when he retired. The actor also leaves behind an impressive filmography.

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