Preliminary Autopsy Shows No External Trauma in Gene Hackman and Wife’s Deaths
Additional autopsy and toxicology results for the couple’s unexpected deaths are still awaited.
Authorities have yet to establish the cause of death for Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman and his spouse, Betsy Arakawa. On February 27, New Mexico police released preliminary autopsy findings, stating that the case “remains under investigation.”
Further findings from the autopsy and toxicology tests are still awaiting results.
The circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths are “suspicious enough to warrant a comprehensive search and investigation, as the reporting party found the residence’s front door unsecured and open,” according to police statements.
Related Stories
The search warrant indicated that the New Mexico Gas Company checked the gas lines within and around the residence after discovering the bodies, finding no noticeable issues, and the fire department reported no indications of a carbon monoxide leak or poisoning.
While a sheriff’s detective reported an absence of obvious signs of a gas leak, it was noted that those exposed to gas leaks or carbon monoxide might not exhibit signs of poisoning.
Authorities indicated there were “no apparent signs of foul play” and confirmed an autopsy was conducted after the bodies were sent to the Office of the Medical Investigator, with complete test results still to be revealed.
Furthermore, there were no indications of “blunt force trauma” on either Hackman or Arakawa, as corroborated by the preliminary autopsy findings.
In addition to the deceased dog found with Arakawa, law enforcement also discovered two healthy dogs—one inside the house and another outside.
Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
