In a shocking discovery, Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Margaret Arakawa, were found dead in their luxurious Santa Fe home. The circumstances surrounding their deaths are still under investigation.
According to the Daily Mail, A maintenance team stumbled upon the bodies of Gene Hackman and Margaret Arakawa, instigating a rigorous inquiry by local authorities.
Officials found the couple's bodies on a Wednesday afternoon and described them as decomposed and partially mummified. Maintenance workers, who had access to the upscale $3.3 million property, first noticed this distressing scene.
Shortly after the discovery, a male maintenance worker made a frantic 911 call. He looked through a window, saw the bodies, and immediately dialed emergency services, stating, "I have found two bodies which are not moving." His emotional distress was evident as he exclaimed, "Damn," and sniffed back tears during the call.
Authorities found Hackman, aged 95, in the mudroom adjacent to the kitchen, with his sunglasses and cane lying next to him, suggesting a sudden demise. They discovered his 64-year-old wife in the bathroom, where an open bottle of prescription pills lay nearby. These details create a grim yet unclear picture of their final moments.
Investigators noted the absence of visible wounds on either body, making it difficult to determine the cause of death. They estimated that the bodies may have remained in the home for up to two weeks before being found.
After an initial assessment by a sheriff suggested the deaths could be suspicious, the Santa Fe Sheriff's Office later stated they did not believe foul play was involved. This statement has led investigators to consider a broad range of possibilities in the ongoing investigation.
Amidst the unfolding investigation, Elizabeth Hackman, one of Gene Hackman's daughters, suggested that her parents might have succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning. However, subsequent checks found no evidence of gas leaks, leaving the true cause still veiled in mystery.
Officials expect to release the autopsy results in four to six weeks, providing crucial information to help determine the sequence and cause of the couple's deaths. Both the family and the public eagerly await these findings.
Hackman’s community and fans, who admired his prolific acting career until his retirement in 2004, feel shocked by the news. Audiences celebrated his performances, and he won a Best Actor Oscar in 1972 and a Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 1993.
The investigation also revealed a grim detail—officials found one of the couple's three pet dogs dead in the home, while the other two survived. This aspect adds another layer of tragedy to the already somber discovery.
As investigations continue, the community and Hackman’s numerous admirers remain hopeful for answers. The couple's renowned discretion and privacy, reflected in their quiet Santa Fe life, make the circumstances of their deaths even more poignant.
The entertainment world has certainly lost a legendary figure in Gene Hackman, and together with his wife Margaret Arakawa, a profound chapter has closed under mysterious and sorrowful circumstances. As details emerge from ongoing investigations, many hope for closure and understanding of this unexpected and devastating event.
