Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman, his wife, and one of their dogs had apparently been deceased for some time before a maintenance worker discovered their bodies at their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home, authorities reported.
The bodies were found on Wednesday. Denise Avila, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, stated that there was no evidence of gunshot wounds or injuries suggesting foul play. However, detectives from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office indicated in a search warrant affidavit that the circumstances surrounding the deaths were suspicious enough to warrant a detailed investigation.
Hackman, 95, was found in the entryway, while his 65-year-old wife, Betsy Arakawa, was lying on her right side in the bathroom. A space heater was positioned near her head and may have fallen when she collapsed, according to the affidavit.
Following the discovery, the New Mexico Gas Co. tested the home’s gas lines, but no issues were detected. The Fire Department also found no evidence of carbon monoxide poisoning. While there were no clear signs of a gas leak, a detective noted that individuals exposed to gas or carbon monoxide might not always exhibit visible symptoms of poisoning.
Hackman, known for his gruff yet endearing presence, was one of the most accomplished actors of his era, playing a variety of roles—including villains, heroes, and antiheroes—across numerous films from the 1960s until his retirement in the early 2000s.
In a statement on Thursday, his daughters and granddaughter expressed their grief: “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.”
