It is seldom easy to come to terms with the loss of someone you adore. Gene Hackman’s demise was no different. The Behind the Enemy Lines star was found dead along with his wife, Betsy Arakawa, and their dog, in his Santa Fe Ranch home.
The door to the house where he lived out his last days was found open, sparking a spree of controversies. And adding a layer of mystery to the incident is the fact that the trio had been dead for days.
Gene Hackman’s demise has left the world shocked
Gene Hackman might have been one of the most renowned names in the industry back in his day. The star of Bonnie and Clyde fame went on to establish his footprint in the industry in the latter half of the 20th century.
For all the renown he has earned in the industry, he was a man of few words and one who wanted to live his life away from the public eye. Since he retired from showbiz in 2004, he had made it a point to focus on his family.
His taste for enjoying his personal life (and cycling) made him stand out from other bigwigs in the industry. He lived the last of his days in Santa Fe, along with his wife Betsy Arawaka, whom he had married in 1991.
The couple had lived the last few decades of their lives in peace—until things took a turn for the worse. The couple was found dead in their home this Thursday. And the world is still finding it hard to wrap their heads around the circumstances in which they were found.
Gene Hackman and Betsy Arawaka’s corpses were mummified
People close to the late actor believed that this was the end Hackman would have wanted—private, like he spent the last chapter of his life. What has prompted confusion amongst fans is the fact that their corpses were mummified when discovered.
The police, in its official statement, said,
In the early hours of Thursday, February 27, 2025, Hackman and Arakawa were transported to the Office of the Medical Investigator. An autopsy was performed. Initial findings noted no external trauma to either individual. Carbon monoxide and toxicology tests were requested for both individuals. The manner and cause of death has not been determined. The official results of the autopsy and toxicology reports are pending. This remains an open investigation. (Radar Online)
While the investigation is underway, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, The Chamber star’s daughter, hinted that foul play was involved. Word is that carbon monoxide poisoning might have something to do with the deaths.
With the toxicology report yet to come, a clear answer regarding what happened that day remains elusive. Only time will tell what really happened (and when). For now, fans can only cherish the life of the French Connection star.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
