Did Gene Hackman suffer a sudden collapse? Cops point to telling clues found near star’s body as tragic mystery deepens

Harrowing audio has emerged of the 911 call from the caretaker who found the pair dead

HOLLYWOOD legend Gene Hackman may have suddenly collapsed after cops investigating his tragic death found a number of worrying clues.

The 95-year-old actor, his wife Betsy Arakawa, 65, and one of their dogs were all found dead on Wednesday afternoon with their cause of death remaining a mystery.

Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa at the 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards in 2003Credit: Getty

Theories are continuing to swirl around what may be the cause of death for two-time Oscar winner GeneCredit: Getty

The last public picture of Gene and his wife Betsy taken March 2024Credit: Splash

A warrant on Thursday determined the couple’s deaths were “suspicious enough to require a thorough search and investigation”.

Gene was discovered fully clothed in a wet room off the kitchen with his cane laid out next to him, according to the warrant.

Deputies believe the placement of the walking aid on the ground points towards the film star suffering a potential fall.

It is still unclear what may have caused Gene – who was described by many as remarkably fit and active for a man of his age – to collapse by himself.

Cops are also still trying to establish whether the couple’s deaths were caused by the same thing.

It comes as their bodies were found in separate rooms inside their $3.8million Santa Fe home.

Betsy was discovered on the bathroom floor near to a space heater.

Her body was said to have been found in a state of partial “mummification”.

But experts have since suggested the detective who first used the term “mummification” likely meant that the decomposition process had just advanced significantly.

The couple may have died up to two weeks ago, officials said.
Gene Hackman dead at 95: Legendary The French Connection actor and two-time Acadamy Award winner dies
It reportedly took an agonising 12 hours to formally identify the pair due to the length of time they were left undiscovered.

Deputies are currently looking into whether the space heater could have fallen onto Betsy and knocked her onto the ground.

A prescription bottle of pills was located near to the 65-year-old classical pianist, cops later announced.

Many tablets were scattered across the floor, they added.

Investigators made a further grim discovery after locating the body of one of the couple’s German shepherds inside a bathroom closet just 10ft away from Betsy.

Two other dogs managed to be safely removed from the property, police added.

Officers also found a door to the home open but no sign of forced entry, according to an affidavit.

A suicide note wasn’t found, while no obvious signs of external trauma were found on their bodies, according to early autopsy results.

The loved-up couple posing for a photo in 1986Credit: Getty

Actor Gene with wife Betsy in June 1993Credit: AP

Despite being aged 95, Gene was said to have been fit and healthy before his tragic passingCredit: Splash
Carbon monoxide and toxicology tests are still pending, officials added.

It could still take up to six weeks for any answers to emerge, Chris Ramirez, spokesperson for the New Mexico medical investigator’s office, told The Sun.

Cops are yet to rule out any possibility related to the tragic triple death, Santa Fe Sheriff Adan Mendoza said to TMZ.

He said double homicide, suicide, accidental death or natural causes are all being considered.

It comes as Gene’s youngest daughter has revealed she hadn’t spoken to her dad for months before his tragic death.

Leslie, 59, has lived in California for some time and said the long distance between her home and Gene’s New Mexico mansion meant they hadn’t seen each other recently.

She added that her father was notoriously reclusive in his later years but always remained in good health thanks to Betsy.

Leslie joined sister Elizabeth for breakfast on Thursday morning as they were spotted for the first time since Gene and their stepmum Betsy were found dead.

The heartbroken siblings were seen getting out of a grey SUV and walking into breakfast chain Denny’s in Burbank, California.

The pair were joined by Hackman’s granddaughter Annie in leaving a touching tribute to their beloved dad and grandpa after his death was confirmed.

They released a statement which read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father, Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy.

“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 and are devastated by the loss.”

REMARKABLE CAREER

Gene Hackman’s career took off with his role as Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde in 1967.

He went on to star in the Superman films and appeared in hits like Mississippi Burning, Unforgiven, Crimson Tide, and The Poseidon Adventure.

In 1972, he earned the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Jimmy “Popeye” Doyle in The French Connection.

Hackman received a second Academy Award in 1993, winning Best Supporting Actor for his role as Little Bill Daggett in the western Unforgiven, alongside Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, and Anna Thomson.

The film won four Oscars, including Best Picture.

Over his illustrious career, Hackman appeared in over 100 films.

He was nominated for five Academy Awards, won two Oscars, earned two BAFTA nominations, and received three Golden Globe awards.

You are not alone

If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.

For those in the UK please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.