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Gene Hackman Cause Of Death Update As Officers Issue ‘S**cide’ Statement
Officers have issued an update relating to Gene Hackman’s death, providing a potential ‘s**cide’ theory.
The legendary actor and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were tragically found dead alongside their German Shepherd dog.
Their bodies were discovered in their New Mexico residence after deputies were called to the home on February 26.
The couple was found deceased by a maintenance worker, who noted the front door had been left open.
According to Law enforcement in Santa Fe, New Mexico, there appeared to be no sign of a break in or disruption within the house.
Sheriff Mendoza shared: “There was no indication of a struggle. There was no indication of anything that was missing from the home or disturbed, you know, that would be an indication that there was a crime that had occurred.”
Police found no sign of foul play in their initial findings, yet the circumstances surrounding their death were deemed ‘suspicious enough’ to warrant an investigation.
The 95-year-old Unforgiven star was discovered in a side room near the kitchen, while his wife, Arakawa, 65, was found in a bathroom.
The sheriff noted the couple appeared to have been ‘dead for quite a while,’ with Arakawa’s body showing signs of ‘decomposition’ and ‘mummification’ in the hands and feet.
It has also been reported that the two-time Oscar-winning actor’s body ‘showed obvious signs of death, similar and consistent’ with those of his wife.
Their dog was found dead in a bathroom closet near Arakawa, although officers have revealed that two dogs were found alive on the property grounds.
Law enforcement officials have suggested several theories about what may have occurred inside the home at Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park.
The initial theories pointed to the couple dying from carbon monoxide poisoning; however, a local utility company confirmed no gas leaks in the area, and the fire department reported no evidence.
Speaking to the press, an investigator gave an update: “There is no immediate sign of foul play, although the lack of carbon monoxide has upended the initial theories about how they died.”
Blood tests showed carbon monoxide wasn’t present in their bodies, with Hackman’s pacemaker last recorded data from February 17th.
A new theory has come to light after investigators revealed that Arakawa was found collapsed in the bathroom, surrounded by pills, which included treatments for thyroid conditions, high blood pressure, chest pain, and a painkiller.
The 65-year-old was also found with a space heater close to her body, which police have suggested may have fallen on her.
Warning: the following contains a discussion of s**cide.
The investigator shared at the press conference: “We are now looking at whether it could be a death followed by a s**cide. Did Mr Hackman die suddenly from a heart attack and his wife was so distraught she took an overdose?”
They have also suggested that that Hackman’s wife may have suffered a medical emergency which may have left the Hollywood star ‘in such a state that he had a heart attack and died.’
The investigator shared that they are not ruling out any possibilities and are exploring every avenue.
Another police official close to the investigation said: “It may also be that Mrs Hackman had a medical crisis of her own. Mr Hackman was found in the mud room. She was 10ft or 20ft away from him in a bathroom. Did she try to get blood pressure medication or something like that?
“She could have had a medical incident which led to her death. The space heater was on the floor, suggesting she grabbed it and brought it down when she fell.”
Law enforcement is looking at the ‘pills specifically’ and ‘other medications possibly in the residence.’
However, toxicology reports are expected to take weeks.
Related Article: Gene Hackman’s Family Issue Cause Of Death Statement
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