Autopsies have been completed on the two victims by the authorities looking into the unexplained deaths of the renowned actor Gene Hackman, his wife, and their dog.
Investigators have found no external trauma on either of the bodies of Hackman and Betsy Arakawa, who died tragically inside their $3.8 million home in Sante Fe, New Mexico, amid much speculation about how they passed away.
Authorities are still awaiting the complete results and a toxicology report, even though the autopsies were finished early on Thursday morning.
Leslie Anne Hackman, one of Gene’s three children, previously told DailyMail.com that she and her sister Elizabeth Jean thought they might have died from breathing in poisonous fumes from a carbon monoxide leak.
However, after the couple’s bodies were discovered, Santa Fe City Fire Department and the New Mexico Gas Company tested the couple’s house for carbon monoxide and other foreign substances and determined that it was safe.
According to an affidavit, “New Mexico Gas Company responded to the residence and was testing the gas line in and around the residence.”
“At this time, there are no indications or proof that the pipes in and around the house have ever had any issues.”
“Initial findings noted no external trauma to either individual,” Sheriff Adan Mendoza said in a statement Thursday afternoon.
No indications of foul play were found. It is unknown what caused the death or how it happened.
The toxicology and autopsy reports’ official outcomes are still pending. The investigation is still ongoing.
In an interview with NBC News Now’s Tom Llamas on his show Top Story on Thursday afternoon, Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber paid homage to the legendary actor, calling him a “gracious, friendly” celebrity who “treated everyone well.”
“He was a good fit,” Webber remarked. “Here in Santa Fe, these two individuals are just regular people who belong to the community, despite their enormous talent, gifts, and international reputations.”
“The town of Santa Fe is an excellent destination for individuals who may be world-renowned celebrities, but they are simply a part of us here.”
As ‘there was no indication that there was any problem’ with her father before his death, Leslie, 58, said the family is still coming to terms with what happened.
“He was in very good physical condition despite his age,” she disclosed, adding that her father had not undergone any significant surgeries in the previous few months.
He continued to practice yoga and pilates several times a week because he enjoyed it. He was therefore in good health.
Before deputies discovered them dead, their bodies had been in their house for at least a day, according to the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. They may have been dead for up to two weeks, according to some fears.
According to an arrest warrant that DailyMail.com was able to obtain, both bodies were discovered partially mummified and showing signs of decomposition.
Their skin and tissues were probably preserved by the cold, dry air of the New Mexico desert.
News of the couple’s deaths wasn’t made public until after midnight on Thursday morning, suggesting that it took hours to identify their bodies.
Hackman was discovered dead in a mud room near the kitchen of the couple. The fact that his cane and sunglasses were on the ground beside him raised the possibility that he had fallen and died.
The body of Arakawa was discovered on the bathroom floor of the couple. On a nearby countertop, an open bottle of prescription medication was discovered partially strewn.
Neither displayed any indication of injuries.
According to local officials, it may take four to six weeks for the autopsy results to be released.
Before their untimely deaths, Gene and Betsy were married for 34 years, having been wed in 1991.
Their marriage was fantastic. Leslie remarked, “And I give credit to his wife, Betsy, for keeping him alive.”
