Legendary actor Jean Hackman and his wife had been dead “a long time” before their bodies were found in separate rooms in a New Mexico home, authorities called their death “suspectful” on Thursday.
Hackman, 95, and Betsie Arakawa, 65, were found at their Santa Fe home on Wednesday with their dog. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding death is underway.
The search warrant states that death is “sufficiently suspicious in nature, as it requires a thorough search and investigation.”
The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said the preliminary findings from medical inspectors did not find any signs of external trauma. The cause of death has not been determined yet, but both Hackman and Arakawa requested carbon monoxide and toxicology tests.
Hackman’s family issued a brief statement Thursday saying, “While he was loved and praised by millions around the world for his incredible acting career, it was always his father and grandpa for us.”
“We miss him so badly and are devastated by losses,” they said.
The lawmaker was called to the address on the Old Sunset Trail in Hyde Park around 1:45pm on Wednesday, county sheriff’s spokesman Dennis Womack Avila said in a statement.
According to the search warrant, the two maintenance workers said they found the doorway and the couple dead inside. The lawmaker said he “did not observe any signs of forcing him to enter the house.”
The man who identified himself as the caretaker of the compartment called 911 and reported finding his body, Call Audio indicated. He told the dispatcher that he would meet his first counterpart at the gate, as he did not have a home address.
“I’m not in the house. It’s closed. It’s locked,” he told the dispatcher. “I can’t enter, but I’ll look at them… she’s lying through the window.”
According to the audio, he was unable to answer questions about whether they were breathing or able to speak.
“Hey, they’re not moving,” the caller said. “Please send someone here really quickly.”
Arakawa’s body was found on the bathroom floor. A space heater was near her head and a bottle of prescription medicine was at the counter, the warrant says.
The corresponding aide believes the heater “may have fallen if the woman suddenly fell to the ground.” The pills from the bottle were “scattered across the countertops.” The German shepherd was found from her in the bathroom closet about 10 feet.
According to the warrant, Hackman was found dead in a mudroom near the kitchen. The adjutant states he believes he may have collapsed suddenly.
Both bodies showed “clear signs of death,” the warrant said. Arakawa also showed signs of “body breakdown.”
It turns out that the other two dogs are alive in the facility. One was in the toilet with Arakawa and the other was outside the house.
Sheriff Adan Mendoza said there are no clear signs of foul play now, but they have not ruled out anything.
“It’s not normal to find two people who have died in their residence,” he said Thursday. “That’s a concern. And it turns out that the dog in the kennel has also passed away.”
The fire department conducted the tests but “we found no signs of carbon monoxide leaks or poisoning,” the warrant said.
The New Mexico Gas Company, which provides natural gas services to its home, conducted tests at its home and surrounding gas lines.
“At this point, there are no indications or evidence that there are problems related to the pipe,” the warrant said.
The gas company said it is supporting the sheriff’s office.
The bodies of Hackman and Arakawa were not officially identified until 12:30am ET on Thursday (2:30am ET).
In 2012, Hackman was airlifted to hospital after being attacked by a car while riding a bike with a Florida key, but escaped with minor injuries.
The two-time Oscar winner was known for his roles in the 1974 thriller The Conversation, 1967’s Bonnie and Clyde, and 1971’s crime drama The French Connection.
He won his second Oscar in 1993 for “not being allowed.”
During his career, he won four Golden Globes, two British Academy Award for Film Awards (BAFTAS), and one Screen Actors Guild Award. His last film was 2004’s “Welcome to Mooseport.” He retired from on-screen acting that same year.
