The search warrant gave more information on the circumstances of their death
Police have said in a new search warrant that Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa and dog were all found in separate rooms having been dead for ‘some time’.
The search warrant said Hackman was found in a ‘mudroom’, which is a room designed for ‘dirty or wet footwear and clothing’, while his wife Betsy was found in the bathroom.
No official cause of death has yet been given, however Hackman’s daughter spoke to TMZ and said that she, and her family, believed that a Carbon Monoxide leak was the cause of the deaths of Hackman and his wife.
Hackman, Arakawa, and their dog were shockingly found dead in their New Mexico home as per local paper the Santa Fe New Mexican.
The search warrant, which has been obtained by the Daily Mail states that the pair were ‘partially mummified’.
Arakawa was discovered ‘lying on the bathroom floor of the couple’s home’ reportedly with an open bottle of pills on a nearby countertop.
The pair were both found with ‘similar’ signs of mummification and decomposition.
While the couple’s two other dogs were reportedly found alive, their German Shepard was found dead ‘in a closet’ just off from the bathroom where Hackman’s wife was found.
According to Variety, authorities stated that there were no signs of foul play, though no cause of death was given.
The affidavit further states that their deaths are ‘suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.’
It reads that the reporting party found the front door unlocked and opened, as well as a healthy dog running loose on the property, as well as another healthy dog near the deceased female dog.
They also stated that the heater was moved, suggesting that it ‘could have fallen in the event the female abruptly fell to the ground’.
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The pair were found by two maintenance workers, who said they had not seen them for two weeks prior to their deaths.
Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, retired from acting in 2004, and married Arakawa in 1991.
After retirement the pair became reclusive, rarely being seen outside their $3.3 million mansion.
Hackman spoke about his reasons for retirement in a 2009 interview with Empire magazine.
He said: “The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually a stress test that I took in New York.
“The doctor advised me that my heart wasn’t in the kind of shape that I should be putting it under any stress.”
The pair’s death came as a shock to the entertainment world, leading to various tributes pouring in for the pair.
Antonio Banderas posted to X saying: “Very sad day for the cinema’s family.
“Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have passed away. My deepest condolences to friends, family and cinema lovers. RIP.”
Prince William also paid tribute to Hackman, saying on Twitter: “So sad to hear the news of the death of Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy.
“Hackman was a true genius of film who brought each and every character to life with power, authenticity and star quality.”
