Investigators have uncovered shocking findings in Gene Hackman’s mummified home, revealing drugs and a chilling document, following his and his wife’s tragic deaths

Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa have died (
Image: Getty Images)

In a startling revelation, investigators have uncovered what drugs and a haunting document were found in Gene Hackman ’s mummified home.

The discovery, which has raised more questions than answers, sheds new light on the actor’s enigmatic living situation. Amid speculation of their mystery cause of death, including suggestions by his family of carbon monoxide poisoning, police ordered autopsies and toxicology tests.

Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza confirmed the tragic news on Thursday that Gene and his wife Betsy had been found deceased in the property alongside one of their dogs, a German Shepherd.

A new report stated that both bodies were found ‘mummified’ and in a state of decomposition. A male maintenance worker found the bodies of Gene and his wife when he arrived at the property to carry out some routine maintenance.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa’s bodies were found in different rooms, with a black space heater near Arakawa’s head ( 
Image:
Getty Images)

The couple were both found dead in their home ( 
Image:
AP)

He made an urgent 911 call but did not go into the house, as when asked if they were alive or breathing, he told the operator: “I have no idea, I have no idea, I’m not inside the house, it’s closed. I see she’s laying down on the floor.”

Gene – who died at the age of 95 – had a career that spanned over six decades, with the star receiving twoAcademy Awards,two BAFTA Awards, fourGolden Globes, a SAG Award as well as the Silver Bear.

Investigators conducted a search of the $3.8 million home on Thursday, discovering thyroid medication, Diltiazem, and Tylenol. Arakawa was found dead on the bathroom floor, with an open bottle of prescription pills partially spilled on a nearby countertop.

A 2025 monthly calendar planner was also found, suggesting the couple had plans for the future. Police also recovered two green phones and the couple’s health records, though no further details have been disclosed about their contents.

Autopsies were completed early Thursday morning, but authorities are still awaiting the full results, including the toxicology report.

Leslie Anne Hackman, one of Gene’s three children, told DailyMail.com that she and her sister, Elizabeth Jean, suspected the couple may have died from inhaling toxic fumes caused by a carbon monoxide leak.

However, after testing the home for carbon monoxide and other harmful elements, Santa Fe City Fire personnel and the New Mexico Gas Company determined the residence was safe.

The couple have both died ( 
Image:
NY Daily News via Getty Images)

Gene and Betsy had been married for 34 years ( 
Image:
Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

An affidavit confirmed: “New Mexico Gas Company responded to the residence and conducted active testing on the gas line in and around the residence.” It added, “As of now, there are no signs or evidence indicating any issues with the pipes.”

Sheriff Adan Mendoza released a statement on Thursday, noting that initial findings showed “no external trauma to either individual.” “There were no apparent signs of foul play. The manner and cause of death has not been determined. The official results of the autopsy and toxicology reports are pending. This remains an open investigation.”

Gene’s daughter Leslie said that the family is still processing what happened since ‘there was no indication that there was any problem’ with her father prior to his death. “Despite his age, he was in very good physical condition,” she revealed. “He liked to do Pilates and yoga, and he was continuing to do that several times a week. So he was in good health.”

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Gene and Betsy Hackman’s bodies were discovered at least a day after their deaths, though there are concerns they may have been dead for as long as two weeks.

An arrest warrant obtained by DailyMail.com revealed the couple’s bodies showed clear signs of decomposition and partial mummification. Gene was found in a mudroom adjacent to the kitchen, with his sunglasses and cane nearby, leading to suspicions he may have fallen before his death.

Betsy was found in the couple’s bathroom, with an open bottle of prescription pills scattered across the counter. Neither of them had visible injuries or wounds. The dry, arid conditions of New Mexico likely contributed to preserving their remains.

Officials have stated it could take up to six weeks for the full autopsy results to be released. The identification of the couple took several hours, and the news of their deaths wasn’t made public until early Thursday morning.

Gene and Betsy, who had been married for 34 years, were described by their daughter Leslie as having a “wonderful” relationship. She credited Betsy for playing a crucial role in keeping Gene alive during their long marriage.

The pair were rarely spotted out of their home but in one of his final pictured outings, the actor was seen outside a 7-Eleven store looking frail, carrying a coffee and an apple pie. Hackman is survived by his three children – Christopher Allen, Leslie Anne and Elizabeth Jean.