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Researchers in the United States are trying to clarify the circumstances surrounding the death of iconic actor Gene Hackman and his wife, classical pianist Betsy Arakawa, whose bodies were found in their residence in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Despite the absence of clear signs of violence, the authorities have classified the deaths as "suspicious", which has prompted a thorough investigation.
Suspicious factors
One of the elements that caught the attention of the investigators was that the main door of the house was open when the maintenance worker arrived.
However, no signs of forced entry or theft were found.
"There were no signs of a struggle or that anything was missing from the house," Sheriff Mendoza stated.
Otro aspecto relevante es que la pareja llevaba varios días sin ser vista ni responder mensajes.
According to witnesses, the last contact with them occurred approximately two weeks before their discovery. Maintenance workers stated that they used to communicate with the couple via phone and text messages, primarily with Arakawa.
The discovery of the bodies
The discovery of the bodies occurred on Wednesday, when a maintenance worker called emergency services after finding the front door of the house open and no signs of life inside.
The 911 call, obtained by the BBC, records a person in a state of excitement, describing the terrible scene they encountered.
Hackman, 95 years old, was found in a side room near the kitchen, while his wife, 65, lay in the bathroom. Next to her, their German shepherd was found dead.
According to Sheriff Adan Mendoza, the couple seemed to have been "dead for quite some time."
The signs of decomposition on Arakawa's body indicated a process of partial mummification in his hands and feet, signs consistent with the condition of Hackman's body.
Possible causes of death
Authorities have been cautious in disclosing information about the possible causes of death.
No visible injuries were found on either of the bodies, although the circumstances surrounding the deaths raised enough doubts to warrant an investigation.
Near Arakawa's body, investigators found a fallen portable heater, suggesting that he may have collapsed suddenly.
Additionally, scattered pills and a bottle of medication were found on the bathroom countertop.
As for Hackman, it was determined that he was wearing sweatpants, a blue long-sleeve shirt, and brown sneakers.
Near his body were a cane and sunglasses, which could indicate that he suffered a sudden fall.
To clarify the cause of death, investigators have requested toxicological and carbon monoxide tests.
However, the firefighters and the local utility company have ruled out a gas leak in the area.
Despite this, the theory of a possible gas poisoning has not been completely ruled out.
According to his daughter Leslie Anne Hackman, Gene Hackman was in good health despite his advanced age.
"He enjoyed doing Pilates and yoga, and continued to do so several times a week," he commented in statements quoted by Hola magazine.
The family also noted that Hackman and Arakawa had a strong marriage and that she took excellent care of the actor.
The Legacy of Gene Hackman
Gene Hackman is one of the great figures of 20th-century cinema, with a career that earned him two Oscar awards for his performances in The French Connection (1971) and Unforgiven (1992).
After retiring from the film industry in 2004, he devoted himself to writing, sculpture, and painting.
His death has caused great shock in the film industry, with figures like Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, and Robert De Niro expressing their sorrow.
"Gene was a true master of acting, an unmatched talent and a wonderful friend", Freeman stated in a statement.
Ongoing investigation
While awaiting the results of the toxicological analyses, the Hackman family is dealing with the pain of their loss. Their daughters, Leslie and Elizabeth Hackman, have told the press that "they still have no clear answers" and that what happened "makes no sense."
Investigations continue to clarify what led to the death of the legendary actor and his wife.
Although no evidence of a crime has been found, the police are still not ruling out any possibility, keeping the investigation open until definitive answers are obtained.
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