Share
Abdulazeez Abubakar
4 weeks ago
Overview
Hackman and wife probably died 10 days before bodies found, sheriff says
US investigators are trying to establish how Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, died after the discovery of their bodies at their home in the US state of New Mexico.
Officials said on Friday that evidence points to Hackman having been dead since 17 February - 10 days before the couples' bodies were found.
Here is what we know so far about the death of a Hollywood legend known for such films as The French Connection and The Conversation.
How were the deaths discovered?
The bodies of the couple and one of their dogs were found by police on Wednesday at their home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, after a maintenance worker called emergency services.
In a recording of the 911 call obtained by the BBC, the emotional caller can be heard telling a dispatcher how he found the two bodies.
Hackman, 95, was discovered in a side room near the kitchen while Arakawa, 65, was found in a bathroom, at the property on Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park.
The couple appeared to have been "dead for quite a while", said Sheriff Adan Mendoza.
Arakawa's body showed signs of "decomposition", and "mummification" in the hands and feet, a sheriff's detective said.
Hackman's remains "showed obvious signs of death, similar and consistent" with those on his spouse.
A German Shepherd dog owned by the couple was found dead in a bathroom closet near to Arakawa.
What do we know about the cause of death for Hackman and Arakawa?
No cause was given in police statements immediately after the announcement of the deaths.
The authorities reported no signs of injury but deemed the deaths "suspicious enough" to investigate and did not rule out foul play.
A carbon monoxide poisoning test came out negative for both Arakawa and Hackman, the Santa Fe Sheriff's office said on Friday.
Near Arakawa's head was a portable heater, which the detective determined could have been brought down in the event that she had abruptly fallen to the ground.
An autopsy and toxicology tests have been requested for both Hackman and Arakawa. Authorities said it could be a few months before the results of those are released.
The local utility company found no sign of a gas leak in the area and the fire department detected no indication of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning, according to the search warrant.
A prescription bottle and scattered pills lay on the bathroom countertop close to Arakawa's body. Prescription pills found in the home were common medications for thyroid and high blood pressure, according to a search warrant.
Hackman was discovered wearing grey tracksuit bottoms, a blue long-sleeve T-shirt and brown slippers. Sunglasses and a walking cane lay next to his body.
The detective suspected that the actor had suffered a sudden fall.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqlyy1rld0ko
