“No, dude, they’re not moving. Just send somebody out here really quick!”
Why did authorities deem the deaths of the Hollywood legend Gene Hackman and his wife “suspicious”?
The entertainment world is reeling from the shocking discovery of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico, home.
The couple, along with their German Shepherd dog, were discovered under mysterious circumstances, leaving fans and investigators searching for answers.
While foul play has been ruled out, the cause of death remains unknown, sparking widespread speculation and concern.
A Chilling 911 Call
The grim scene unfolded on Wednesday, February 26, when a maintenance worker arrived at the couple’s gated property for routine checks.
The worker, unable to enter the home, peered through a window and saw two lifeless bodies. In a frantic 911 call obtained by TMZ, the caller pleaded, “No, dude, they’re not moving. Just send somebody out here really quick!”
“Damn, damn, damn,” the caller cries in outer distress.
Authorities arrived to find Hackman, 95, lying near the kitchen with a walking cane and sunglasses beside him, while Arakawa, 63, was discovered in a bathroom next to an open prescription pill bottle with scattered pills. They “did not locate signs of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning”.
The couple’s German Shepherd was also found dead in the bathroom. Two other dogs on the property were unharmed.
Investigators noted signs of decomposition, suggesting the couple had been deceased for some time before being discovered.
Suspicious Circumstances, But No Foul Play
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed that the deaths were deemed “suspicious enough” to warrant a thorough investigation. However, preliminary findings revealed no signs of forced entry, struggle, or theft.
Fire officials and gas company crews found no evidence of carbon monoxide leaks or natural gas poisoning, though toxicology tests have been requested to rule out other possibilities.
Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, shared with TMZ that the family suspects carbon monoxide poisoning may have played a role, though this remains unconfirmed.
The couple’s health prior to their deaths is also unclear, though Hackman was last seen publicly using a cane nearly a year ago.
A Legacy Remembered
Gene Hackman, a two-time Oscar winner, was celebrated for his iconic roles in films like The French Connection, Unforgiven, and Hoosiers.
Known for his versatility and dedication to his craft, Hackman retired from acting in the early 2000s. He chose a quiet life in Santa Fe with Arakawa, a classically trained pianist.
In a heartfelt statement, Hackman’s family expressed their devastation: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman, and his wife, Betsy”.
She added “He was loved and admired by millions around the world for his brilliant acting career, but to us, he was always just Dad and Grandpa. We will miss him sorely.”
As the investigation continues, the world mourns the loss of a Hollywood icon and his beloved wife, whose lives ended in a mystery that has yet to be unraveled.
