Possibility of Gene Hackman's and His Wife's Death a Week Before Discovery of Their Bodies

Local officials say Hollywood legend Gene Hackman likely passed away more than a week before his body was discovered at his home in New Mexico. The bodies of the 95-year-old actor and his 63-year-old wife, Betty Arakawa, a classical piano player, were found on Wednesday, March 8, and police are investigating the cause of death as a 'suspicious' case. Santa Fe Sheriff, Adan Mendoza, stated on Friday, March 10, 'Their bodies showed no signs of external trauma, and initial tests indicate that carbon monoxide poisoning was not a cause of death.' Mendoza added, 'The heart rate monitor for Hackman indicated that his last recorded activity dates back to February 17, 2025, which was likely the last day of his life.' According to media reports on the discovery of Hackman and his wife's bodies, emergency responders were dispatched after property maintenance staff were unable to enter the house. The entrance was unlocked and open. Arakawa's body was found in the bathroom, alongside scattered pills, while Hackman was discovered fully dressed in another room, with glasses next to his body, raising the possibility of a sudden fall. In the bathroom, a dead German Shepherd and two other live dogs were found. Reports indicate that investigators are examining planners, mobile phones, and video footage to reconstruct the couple's last movements in recent weeks. However, according to Mendoza, their reclusive lifestyle has complicated the investigation. Gene Hackman was a two-time Oscar winner, best known for his role as Jimmy 'Popeye' Doyle, a New York police officer in the crime film 'The French Connection' (1971), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. Two decades later, he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the ruthless sheriff 'Bill Daggett' in the Western film 'Unforgiven' (1992). Gene Hackman, the renowned American actor and Oscar winner, has passed away.