Authorities continue to investigate the deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who were recently found in their New Mexico home. While the exact cause remains unknown, reports indicate that Arakawa’s body showed signs of mummification. As the investigation continues, Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths have sparked more questions.
In this article, we will delve into the details of the recent update.
What is mummification, and was Gene Hackman mummified?
Authorities discovered Gene Hackman, Betsy Arakawa, and a dog, deceased in their New Mexico home, with signs of advanced decomposition. Reports indicate that Arakawa’s hands and feet showed visible “mummification,” a condition that occurs when parts of the body dry out due to environmental factors. Investigators believe the couple had been deceased for at least a day before they were found.
According to the National Institutes of Health, Mummification occurs when the body undergoes significant dehydration, causing tissues to shrink and harden. This process can happen naturally in dry, hot environments, as lack of moisture slows decomposition. In Arakawa’s case, only her hands and feet showed mummification. As per the BBC, “The male decedent also showed obvious signs of death, similar and consistent with the female decedent.”
The circumstances surrounding Hackman and Arakawa’s deaths remain under investigation. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office described the deaths as “suspicious enough” to warrant a full investigation. Hackman’s and Arakawa’s bodies were discovered by maintenance workers after they had been out of contact for two weeks.
The couple was found in separate rooms, with Hackman’s body near the kitchen and Arakawa’s in the bathroom. Authorities also discovered a prescription pill bottle with scattered pills beside her. A deceased dog was found in a crate inside the bathroom, while two other dogs on the property were unharmed. There were no immediate signs of foul play, trauma, or a gas leak.
