Gene Hackman and Wife Betsy Arakawa Found Dead at New Mexico Home

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The recent discovery of actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa dead at their New Mexico home has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, was 95 years old, while Arakawa was 65. The couple's bodies were found by maintenance workers at their secluded home in a gated community, with authorities deeming the circumstances surrounding their deaths as "suspicious enough" to warrant a thorough investigation.

According to the Santa Fe County Sheriff's office, data from Hackman's pacemaker suggests that he was likely dead for nine days before his body was discovered. The pacemaker's "last event" was recorded on February 17, and while the exact cause of death is still unknown, preliminary autopsies have revealed no external trauma or signs of foul play. Authorities have also ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning, with both Hackman and Arakawa testing negative for the gas. The investigation is ongoing, with officials analyzing a planner found at the home, cell phone data, and security logs to piece together a timeline of the couple's final days.

Gene Hackman was a highly acclaimed actor, known for his iconic roles in films such as The French Connection, Hoosiers, and Unforgiven. He won two Oscars and was nominated for five, cementing his status as one of the greatest actors of his generation. Arakawa, on the other hand, was a classical pianist and the couple's longtime friends described them as "very easy people to get along with." The couple had been living in the Santa Fe area for over a decade, and Hackman had effectively retired from acting at the age of 74.

The news of Hackman's death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from the film industry, with many of his colleagues and friends sharing stories of his dedication to his craft and his dislike of the Hollywood spotlight. Film director Barry Sonnenfeld, who worked with Hackman on the 1995 film Get Shorty, remembered him as a "consummate actor" who was meticulous in his approach to scripts and hated the trappings of Hollywood. Hackman's family has released a statement, saying they are "devastated by the loss" and will miss him sorely. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is also expected to honor Hackman at the upcoming Oscars ceremony.

As the investigation into the couple's deaths continues, officials are working to determine the cause and manner of death. The toxicology report could take several months to complete, and the medical examiner's report is expected to take four to six weeks. In the meantime, the film industry and fans around the world are mourning the loss of a true Hollywood legend. The couple's deaths have raised many questions, and as the investigation unfolds, more information is likely to come to light. For now, the focus is on celebrating the life and legacy of Gene Hackman, a talented actor who left an indelible mark on the world of cinema.